What really happens during a HEMS inter-hospital transfer?

Contrary to popular belief, a HEMS inter-hospital transfer involves far more than simply loading a patient into an aircraft and monitoring them during flight. Every transfer is a carefully coordinated critical care operation aimed at ensuring continuity of advanced medical management from one facility to another.

Preparation and Deployment of Mission-Specific Medical Equipment

Before arrival at the referring hospital, the crew member prepares mission-specific equipment tailored to the patient’s condition and anticipated clinical requirements. On arrival at the facility, all relevant equipment is taken to the patient’s bedside. This commonly includes the monitor/defibrillator, syringe drivers, infusion pumps, transport ventilator, medication bags, and additional critical care equipment bags. Depending on the nature of the mission, additional specialised equipment may also accompany the crew member, including a video laryngoscope, portable blood gas analyser, point of care Ultrasound, maternity or obstetric equipment, or a comprehensive burns kit.

Comprehensive Monitoring and Handover in Patient Transfers

At the bedside, the process begins with obtaining a structured clinical handover and reviewing all relevant medical documentation. The patient is then connected to advanced multiparameter monitoring capable of continuously measuring vital clinical parameters, including non-invasive blood pressure (NiBP), SpO₂, ECG, heart rate, temperature, and EtCO₂. HEMS monitoring systems also possess invasive arterial blood pressure (IABP) capabilities, allowing for beat-by-beat haemodynamic monitoring and precise titration of medications throughout the transfer.

Ensuring Continuity of Care with Advanced Infusion Systems at ROCKET HEMS

One of the most important aspects of maintaining continuity of care during transport is the use of syringe drivers and infusion pumps. At ROCKET HEMS, medications are administered either as bolus doses or through carefully controlled infusion systems. These systems allow for accurate microdosing and titration, helping ensure optimal dosing while reducing the risk of underdosing or overdosing. HEMS crews are also capable of continuing advanced ICU-level medications and therapies throughout the transfer process.

Critical Role of Transport Ventilators in HEMS Missions

Many patients transferred within the HEMS environment require mechanical ventilation, making the transport ventilator a critical component of every mission. The ventilator is tailored to the individual patient profile and can support neonatal, paediatric, and adult critical care patients. Ventilator settings are continuously assessed and adjusted where necessary to optimise oxygenation and ventilation throughout the transfer.

Ensuring Safe and Coordinated Patient Transfer to HEMS

Once the patient has been transitioned onto transport monitoring, infusion systems, and mechanical ventilation, preparation begins for the move onto the HEMS stretcher and vacuum mattress. This process is performed slowly, methodically, and in a highly coordinated manner to prevent interruptions in care, accidental disconnections, or entanglement of lines and equipment.

After packaging and stabilisation are complete, the patient is transferred safely to the aircraft, where the same emphasis on precision, communication, and patient safety continues during loading and departure.

Ensuring Seamless Critical Care During Medical Flights: HEMS Inter-hospital Transfer

Throughout the flight, the patient remains under continuous advanced critical care monitoring. Ventilator adjustments, medication titrations, and additional interventions may be performed as clinically required. Continuous communication between the HEMS crew member, transferring facility, receiving specialists, and receiving hospital ensures seamless continuity of care from departure through to arrival.

Delivering Patient-Focused Critical Care with Precision and Compassion

At ROCKET HEMS, every mission is centred around one objective — delivering safe, efficient, and patient-focused critical care when it matters most. Every patient has a purpose, and every transfer is approached with professionalism, precision, and compassion