What should be done if EMS crew members are not trained to manage devices during transport?

• A. The patient should be unaccompanied.
• B. Hospital staff handle it.
• C. An adequately trained care provider from the transferring facility must accompany the patient.
• D. Devices should be left.

Answer: (C)

Safely transporting a patient who relies on devices requires someone who is trained to manage those devices during the journey. When EMS crews aren’t trained to operate or troubleshoot a specific device, an adequately trained care provider from the transferring facility should accompany the patient. This ensures the device settings, alarms, and monitoring are kept according to the care plan, and that any required adjustments or troubleshooting can be done promptly with direct knowledge of the patient’s history and current status. It also supports a proper handoff to the receiving hospital, reducing the risk of unnoticed changes in condition. Unaccompanied transport or leaving devices behind introduces serious safety risks and potential deterioration, while relying on hospital staff to manage equipment during transport may not be feasible.