What is the transport destination protocol for unstable patients?

• A. They will be transported to the closest appropriate receiving facility.
• B. Transport to the nearest trauma center only.
• C. Transport to the patient’s home if possible.
• D. Transport to the facility chosen by the on-scene nurse.

Answer: (A)

When a patient is unstable, the priority is to get rapid access to definitive care. The transport decision should aim for the closest facility that can provide the necessary stabilization and treatment, so the patient reaches appropriate care as quickly as possible. This is the idea behind transporting to the closest appropriate receiving facility.

Choosing only a trauma center ignores situations where a non-trauma facility can stabilize or treat the patient just as effectively and may cause unnecessary delays. Taking the patient home or letting on-scene staff pick a facility at random would delay critical care and isn’t consistent with EMS protocols that prioritize speed and suitable capability.