Red Blanket: A protocol for improving ER to OR transfer of non-responding shocked trauma patients

Presented by Michael Handy

Endorsed Nurse Practitioner working within the Trauma Service at the Royal Brisbane and Women’s Hospital.

The early management of critically ill trauma patients, such as non-responding hypotension and hemorrhagic shock, is crucial for their outcome. We recognized that delays frequently occurred moving these patients from the emergency room (ER) to the operating room (OR). Our Trauma Service facilitated an interdepartmental approach and creation of the Rapid Transfer Sequence (RTS) from ER to OR – our version of the Los Angeles County Hospital ‘Red Blanket’. The sequence was practiced by simulation and then a written procedure formulated. This study reports our findings.