Describe the current standards and recommendations for the safe transfer of critically ill adults, as set out in the ICS 5th Edition (2026)
Apply a structured approach to decision-making, preparation, and communication before and during critical care transfer
Select and use appropriate monitoring, airway management strategies, and ventilator settings for the transport environment
Recognise and manage the specific challenges of transferring patients with brain injury, respiratory failure, and obstetric emergencies
Use equipment, checklists, and documentation in line with the 2026 minimum dataset and mandatory transfer standards
Identify when to engage the ACCoTS dedicated transfer service and describe how to refer appropriately
Demonstrate safe transfer practice through simulation, with effective team communication and crisis resource management
Introduction to Transfer
• Key changes in ICS 5th Edition 2026
• Mandatory documentation and checklist requirements
• Referring and receiving team responsibilities
Initial Considerations for Transfer
• Transfer risk assessment
• Pre-transfer intubation and airway decision-making
• Team briefing and receiving centre communication
• Minimum preparations before departure
Ventilation for Transfer
• Transport ventilator settings
• Waveform capnography interpretation in transit
• Lung-protective ventilation during transfer
• ICS 5th Edition monitoring targets
Safe Transfer of the Brain-Injured Patient
• Intubation criteria in brain injury
• ICP management strategies during transfer
• Neuromonitoring modalities in transit
• Time-critical features requiring urgent departure
ACCoTS - Adult Critical Care Transfer Service
• Role and remit of West Midlands ACCoTS
• Clinical criteria for ACCoTS referral
• Referral process and information requirements
Equipment for Transfer
• Transfer trolley components and purpose
• Setting up and operating a transport ventilator
• Equipment failure modes and contingencies
• Structured checklist completion
Clinical Skills Rotations
• Practical transfer skills in small groups
• Application of plenary knowledge to scenarios
• Personal development planning
Simulation
• Full transfer scenario management
• Decision-making, task allocation and communication
• Transfer safety and human factors
• Structured debriefing and self-reflection