Safe Transport

Definition
Safe transport of a child with a tracheostomy is using appropriate restraints for the child. All necessary equipment and supplies also need to be secured in the vehicle.

 

 

 

Prepare for transport by gathering all equipment and supplies that will be needed for the trip to keep the child comfortable and to be ready for an emergency. The Go Bag – fully stocked Electrical equipment with portable battery power for twice the expected duration of the trip Keep suction machine battery charged Nebulizer with a charged internal battery Try to use gel-cel or dry-cell batteries for ventilator Hand sanitizer, baby wipes or wash cloths for cleaning Feedings and supplies Plan for humidification for the duration of the trip. Battery powered nebulizer can give nebulized normal saline Supply of HME, or artificial noses Normal saline Secure all equipment and supplies on the vehicle floor, underneath a seat,  below the window line, or restrained by a seatbelt Avoids having equipment becoming a projectile if there is a sudden stop Secure oxygen as appropriate Upright for liquid oxygen Lying down or in a cart for pressurized oxygen Consider where a tank of oxygen would go if the regulator would break off Restrain the child in the rear seat with a properly installed child restraint system appropriate for the child’s size. Do not modify the child restraint system Do not use a child restraint system with a harness-tray/shield combination or an armrest Child can fall forward with a sudden impact causing the tracheostomy to contact the shield or arm rest, possibly resulting in injury or a blocked airway. Use a three-point harness with a rear facing car safety seat or a five-point harness If transporting child in a wheelchair, secure with four-point tie down device and remove lapboards or trays.

• Infants and young children will need a sturdy stroller that has storage space for equipment
• A double stroller may be an option – one seat for the child and the other seat for equipment
• The stroller or unoccupied wheelchair need to be secured in the vehicle during transport
• Sit in the rear seat with the child to provide for the child’s needs during transport.
• Consider how emergency care can be provided to the child in the vehicle.