Victorian State Trauma System

Major Trauma Guidelines & Education – Victorian State Trauma System

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Preparation for Retrieval

The retrieval of injured patients from a referring facility has the primary objective of improving patient outcomes through coordinated support and timely transfer. ARV is the single contact point for major trauma advice, critical care bed access and retrieval statewide.

Key Messages

Patient retrieval in progress

The Victorian State Trauma System (VSTS) provides support and retrieval services for critically ill trauma patients requiring definitive care, transfer, and management.

This preparation for retrieval guideline provides evidence-based advice on the initial management and transfer of major trauma patients who present to Victorian health services with severe injuries.

This guideline is developed for all clinical staff involved in the care of trauma patients throughout Victoria. It is intended for use by frontline clinical staff that provide early care for major trauma patients; those working directly at the Major Trauma Service (MTS) as well as those working outside of a MTS.

This guideline provides the user with accessible resources to provide appropriate care effectively and confidently for critically injured patients. This provides up-to-date information for frontline healthcare clinicians. The guideline has followed the AGREE II methodology for guideline development and is under the auspice of the Trauma System Advisory Committee (TSAC) (1).

 

Clinical emphasis points

  • Adult Retrieval Victoria (ARV) is the single contact point for adult major trauma advice, critical care advice, critical care bed access, and retrieval of critical care adult patients state-wide.
  • Paediatric Infant Perinatal Emergency Retrieval (PIPER) is the point of contact for paediatric major trauma advice and retrieval of critical care paediatric patients state-wide.
  • Final preparation of a patient for transfer should be made well ahead of the actual move, with conscious anticipation of clinical needs.
  • The patient must be reassessed before transport begins, especially after being placed on monitoring equipment and the transport ventilator (if used).
  • Checklists are a valid and effective way to ensure all key points are covered, risks anticipated and mitigated, and all clinical priorities are addressed.
  • If unsure or in doubt about any aspect of preparation for retrieval, contact ARV.
  • Contact ARV immediately if there is significant deterioration in clinical status or if the patient requires additional or unplanned interventions or treatment.
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