To a specialist centre
Moving a patient to a hospital with the specialty or unit they need.
Hospital transfers
From one hospital to the next. Planned.
Moves between hospitals, within a city, between cities and across state lines. Planned with both teams, at the care level the patient needs, with the record travelling ahead.
- 01IntercityAnd interstate transfers
- 023 levelsBLS, ALS and Critical Care
- 03PlannedDate, time and bed agreed
- 04One recordShared before arrival
The transfer at a glance
Two hospitals, one plan
Every transfer links two clinical teams through one plan and one record.
- 1Sending hospitalThe treating team requests the transfer and shares the summary.
- 2Planned routeTiming, stops and the vehicle agreed before departure.
- 3Receiving hospitalBed and doctor confirmed before the patient leaves.
- 4Transfer plan sharedThe receiving team sees the plan and the record ahead.
Types of transfer
Every move between hospitals
Between cities
Planned intercity transfers, with rest and fuel stops built in.
Across state lines
Interstate transfers with the paperwork and route planned ahead.
Home or nearer home
Step down moves to a hospital closer to family, or home after discharge.
How a transfer is planned
Five steps, agreed in advance
- 01Hospital or family
Request
Share the patient details, care level and receiving hospital with the transfer desk.
- 02RISA transfer desk
Plan
Route, timing, vehicle and crew agreed. Longer trips include planned stops.
- 03Both hospitals
Confirm
The receiving bed and doctor are confirmed before the patient leaves.
- 04On the road
Ride
Care continues at the agreed level. The receiving team can follow the vehicle.
- 05Receiving hospital
Handover
The crew hands over with the case record and trip details.
Paperwork
What travels with the patient
The transfer desk checks the paperwork with the sending team, so the receiving hospital has everything it needs before the patient arrives.
- Agreed care level for the whole journey
- Receiving bed and doctor confirmed
- Trip details logged for billing and audit
A planned intercity transferFrom ward to ward, following one transfer between two RISA partner hospitals · 16:9
Travels with the patient
Transfer file
- Transfer letter and summary
- Latest reports and imaging
- Medicines given and due
- Identity and insurance documents
- Consent for transfer
- Receiving doctor and contact
Shared ahead with the receiving hospital
Emergency · Toll free · 24x7
Planning a transfer?
Call the toll free number or reach the transfer desk on WhatsApp.
Questions and answers
Hospital transfers, answered
In an emergency, call 1800 108 1800 at any hour. For anything else, write to contact@smartambulance.com.
Visit the help centreCan RISA move a patient to another city or state?
Yes. Intercity and interstate transfers are planned with both hospitals, at the care level the patient needs.
Which care levels are available for transfers?
Basic Life Support, Advanced Life Support and Critical Care.
How far ahead should a transfer be booked?
As early as possible. Urgent transfers are handled at any hour, and planned transfers can be booked days ahead.
Can a family member travel with the patient?
Usually one family member can travel. Confirm with the transfer desk when you plan the move.
How is a transfer billed?
The fare depends on the care level, the distance and any waiting time. The transfer desk explains it before the ride is confirmed.
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