Description

Crew

Specialty Care Transport (SCT) ambulances are staffed by highly trained medical professionals to manage critically ill or injured patients during interfacility transfers. The crew typically includes:

• Paramedics with Additional Training: These paramedics have specialized training in critical care and advanced life support techniques.
• Registered Nurses (RNs): Nurses with expertise in critical care, trauma, or other specialized areas may be part of the SCT team.
• Respiratory Therapists: These professionals manage patients requiring advanced respiratory support.
• Physicians: In some cases, a physician may accompany the transport, especially for highly complex cases¹.

Equipment

SCT ambulances are equipped with advanced medical equipment to provide high-level care during transport. Key equipment includes:

• Advanced Airway Management Tools:
  • Endotracheal tubes
  • Laryngoscopes
  • Mechanical ventilators
• Cardiac Care:
  • Advanced cardiac monitors and defibrillators
  • External cardiac support devices (e.g., intra-aortic balloon pumps)
• Intravenous (IV) Therapy:
  • IV pumps and infusion devices
  • Medications for critical care (e.g., vasopressors, antiarrhythmics)
• Monitoring Equipment:
  • Continuous vital signs monitors
  • Capnography (CO2 monitoring)
  • Blood gas analyzers
• Specialized Equipment:
  • Portable ultrasound machines
  • Blood and blood product transfusion supplies
  • Specialized immobilization devices
• Personal Protective Equipment (PPE):
  • Gloves, masks, eye protection, and gowns
• Communication Equipment:
  • Advanced communication systems for real-time consultation with medical facilities

Functions of SCT Ambulances

• Interfacility Transport: SCT ambulances are primarily used for transporting critically ill or injured patients between medical facilities, such as from a community hospital to a specialized care center².
• Advanced Medical Care: The crew provides continuous, high-level medical care during transport, including advanced life support and critical care interventions³.
• Specialized Monitoring and Interventions: SCT ambulances are equipped to handle complex medical conditions that require specialized monitoring and interventions, such as mechanical ventilation and cardiac support¹.

SCT ambulances play a vital role in ensuring that patients receive the necessary level of care during transport, bridging the gap between medical facilities.