(c) The trip for the delivery of the patient to the nursing unit may
originate in the OR or the recovery room. A patient who has given a local anesthetic or
regional block is transported directly from the OR to the nursing unit by an OR
specialist. If the distance from the OR to the nursing unit is short, one OR specialist
may transport the patient. However, two persons may be assigned when the trip is
time-consuming because of either the distance or other factors.
(d) While transporting a patient, the specialist must be continually
observant for symptoms of respiratory difficulty, shock, or hemorrhage, and should be
ready to employ emergency techniques that are within his capability. He must know the
location of emergency equipment such as suction machines and oxygen therapy
equipment along the route. He must also be able to summon professional aid and
assist with emergency procedures instituted by the MC Officer or the AN Officer who
responds to his call for help. Upon arriving on the nursing unit, the specialist is to report
to the nursing unit office, return the patient's chart, and request help as needed for
transferring the patient onto his bed. The specialist and any designated helpers then
wheel the patient to his bed and place him upon it.
k. Other Means of Transporting the Surgical Patient. All pieces of
equipment brought from the nursing unit must be damp-dusted with alcohol or as
directed before being brought into the OR. This includes the beds, turning frames, and
equipment for transporting infants discussed below.
(1) Adjustable (Gatch) bed. The patient may be wheeled to the OR upon
his bed. A patient who is seriously ill or one who is to have cardiac or chest surgery is
in this way spared the procedure of being transferred to a litter, a procedure that may
endanger the life of such a patient. The bed is adjusted to place the patient in the
position that is most healthful and comfortable to him. At least two specialists are
required to wheel the patient in bed to his destination. The specialists must secure side
rails onto the bed and be very careful not to traumatize the patient, either physically or
mentally, during transit.
(2) Fracture bed. The surgeon may order that a patient scheduled for
orthopedic surgery be transported in his fracture bed. This means of transportation is
especially desirable when traction has been applied preoperatively since removing it
could put the body out of alignment. At least two specialists are required for
transporting a patient in a fracture bed. The specialists must use every precaution
during transit to avoid disturbing the traction or otherwise injuring the patient.
(3) Turning frame or reversible bed. Surgeons often order that patients
upon Stryker frames or Foster beds be transported on them. The specialist must apply
several safety straps before transporting the patient since patients on turning frames are
often helpless (because of injuries to the spinal cord or the brain, certain kinds of
orthopedic conditions, severe burns, paralysis, or the application of traction). At least
two specialists must be available for transporting the patient, and they must take the
utmost care to avoid traumatizing the patient.
MD0923
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