Transport of the critically ill patient: an example of an integrated model.

AIMS: To demonstrate a model for the transport of critically ill patients between hospitals, and the aiding of primary emergency responses (A-Zeros). METHOD: A review of a model based on Waikato Hospital is carried out. RESULTS: Categories of transport, modes of transport, standards, and the funding model are described. The total Waikato experience includes over 2500 patients transported between hospitals and 325 A-Zeros. A detailed analysis of cases between 1988-94 is presented. CONCLUSIONS: The Waikato model has worked well. A formal system needs to be instituted in New Zealand to handle interhospital transport of the critically ill and also to provide medical help at the scene of emergencies based on advanced trauma and intensive care centres.