A Baby’s 911
Since the development of the BMC NICU transport team, MEMS has played a vital role. Together we are in the business of providing Baby 911. Our two agencies compliment each other very well, providing the ability to get to a baby in need anywhere in the state. Together we provide a service that can make the difference in not only if a child lives, but also whether the child will have an increased chance of normal neurological functions.
Expectations of the Team Members
· Calls made to the MEMS dispatch center will be categorized by the BMC staff as either:
o “Medically Stable”- For MEMS this means code 3 (no lights and siren, but immediate reaction)
o “Emergent”- For MEMS this means code 2 lights and siren response
o For long distance out of towns MEMS will endeavor to send a type 3 unit instead of a BLS van due to space. This decision to change to a larger unit will be made based on, request by BMC staff, unit availability and time constraints.
· At the hospital both agencies will participate in loading and unloading the equipment. Since the BMC staff is not familiar with the Stryker cot release it is understood that the MEMS staff will manage each end of the cot, and instruct the BMC staff how to stabilize the cot on either side as needed. (Remember to level the cot after taking it out of the unit to avoid any unintentional trendelenburg effect)
· When the BMC staff are expecting to run hot (lights and siren) to the pick up hospital, they will say this is a HOT response per Dr (whom ever has authorized.) For the MEMS staff this clearly communicates the type of trip and answers the question about MD orders. After picking up the infant transport back to BMC the decision to run either Hot or Cold (no lights and siren) will be made by the BMC staff based on the infants needs.
· For runs when only an isolette is used the MEMS medic will be in the patient compartment if space is available, assisting with location and operation of on board equipment. For transports where the mother is also transported the MEMS medic will ride in the patient compartment helping to provide patient care to the mother.
· The expectation is that the MEMS crew will stay at the pick up hospital until the BMC staff is ready to transport. There may be exceptions to this rule, however the on-duty supervisor as well as MEMS communications must be involved in the decision to leave the BMC staff and must clearly communicate this with the BMC staff and agree on the transport plan.
MEMS and the BMC staff providing an NICU on wheels
