23 / 80
Dialysis
One of the more common transports you
may provide will be to and from dialysis
centers. People who are on dialysis have
kidneys that don’t function properly. This
condition is referred to as renal failure and
causes excess fluids and toxins to build up
in their blood. These fluids need to be
removed on a routine basis using a
procedure called dialysis.
At the dialysis centers patients will be
connected to a machine which acts like an
artificial kidney by removing the excess fluid
and toxins from their blood. They are
connected to this machine through an
access point most commonly in their
forearm, chest, or groin area. Prior to and
after treatments, patients are usually
weighed to track the amount of fluid
removed for that treatment.
Now that you know more about renal failure
and dialysis lets look at the following
cautions:
Prior to leaving, ask the dialysis center
staff if the patient is clear to leave.
Be careful when assisting these patients.
These patients may be weak, but you
should take care not to assist them using
the area on their body that contains the
dialysis access.
Respiratory and Cardiac Conditions
Another common type of transport may
involve taking a patient with a respiratory
(breathing) or cardiac (heart) problem to and
from a doctor’s office. Some conditions that
may require transports for medical
examinations include respiratory and cardiac
conditions such as:
Asthma
Bronchitis
Pneumonia
COPD (Chronic Obstructive
Pulmonary Disease)
CHF (Congested Heart Failure)
Angina
Cardiomyopathy
MI (Myocardial Infarction)
With these patients, keep their limitations in
mind so their medical conditions are not
exacerbated. Let them move at their own
pace. Overexerting these patients may
cause difficulty breathing, or shortness of
breath. Keep them comfortable and
remember that weather conditions can also
impact their health. Respiratory and cardiac
patients can be sensitive to strong
fragrances such as colognes, perfumes, and
air fresheners, which may irritate their
disease. You should refrain from using these
products since MAVO’s are in close contact
with patients.
Prosthetic Limbs
Some patients may have prosthetic or
artificial limbs. Never attempt to lift or
transfer these patients by utilizing their
artificial limb. If they have an artificial leg
they may move slowly. As with all patients,
let them move at their own pace. When
assisting them into a standing position make
sure they are on even ground that is dry.
Uneven wet ground can throw off their
balance and cause them to fall.
Consider also that some amputees, such as
bilateral leg amputees, have lost a great
deal of skin as a result of their amputations.
Since skin is one of the most important tools
in regulating body temperature, these
patients may get easily overheated in warm
environments. Be sure to keep the
temperature in a range that is comfortable
for the patient, and monitor his or her
condition carefully.
Children with Special Needs
When transporting children, a parent may
ride along in the van to and from the
appointment. Make sure you follow all state
regulations concerning car seats. To a child,
medical transportation can be very scary.
Make sure when you communicate with the
child you kneel down so you are talking to
them at eye level. Children with special
needs such as Autism or Down’s Syndrome
will often have difficulty communicating.
You should always handle these patients
with respect. Ask the parents for tips on
how to best handle the child if you have
trouble getting the child to cooperate.