The services required to treat the patient’s condition are not always available at Buena Vista Regional Medical Center. It may be determined that the benefits of a transfer outweigh the risk to transfer.
The patient also may request to be transferred to another facility.
Based on the patient’s condition, your physician will determine the mode of transportation and the level of care provided during transfer. Transport professionals have received special training to deliver care in the ambulance environment.
Air and ground transport is not always conducive to patient comfort. Transport personnel will make every attempt to provide for an optimum level of comfort.
There are circumstances such as availability of services, weather conditions and sudden changes in patient condition which may alter departure plans. The patient and family will be advised of any changes.
Due to delays beyond our control, we encourage family members traveling to the receiving facility to remain at the hospital until patient departure or a cell phone number may be requested in case changes occur.
Because of limited space in air and ground ambulances, we request families to be responsible for transferring patient belongings. Passengers are not allowed in air or ground ambulances.
Safety and traffic laws regulate that you cannot follow the ambulance during transfer. The purpose of lights and sirens is to navigate safely through traffic and does not necessarily mean the patient’s condition has worsened.
Please go to the Emergency Entrance or the Information Desk at the receiving facility for directions to your family members location.