Simulation-Based Enhancement of Patient Safety During Intrahospital Transport of Trauma Patients With COVID-19: A Helipad Scenario.

Trauma resulting from accidents, violence, or war claims over five million lives annually, with traffic accidents and falls being predominant causes. The COVID-19 pandemic has posed unprecedented challenges in trauma care. Even though the number of injuries decreased during the lockdown period, the transportation of trauma patients became even more challenging due to concerns about infection control and the need for enhanced protective measures. This simulation workshop was conducted in a controlled environment to test and refine protocols for the safe transport of trauma patients with COVID-19. Our goal was to develop comprehensive guidance on the intrahospital transportation of these patients, ensuring the highest level of patient care and safety. We detail a five-step approach from preparation to the pre-landing, initial assessment, patient transfer, and patient handover phases, emphasizing adherence to protocols, equipment readiness, and personal protective equipment (PPE) use. The primary issues we encountered were related to time management, the decision-making process for applying lifesaving procedures in an open environment, and the risk of cross-infection. The workshop underscored the importance of swift and coordinated care, balancing life-saving interventions with efficient transport to a definitive care facility.