Interfacility ambulance transport of mental health patients.

ABSTRACT

The transportation of mental health patients between facilities by emergency medical services personnel poses a unique risk to both patients and their providers. Increasingly, common injuries are occurring and difficulties are arising during this transition in care. Proximal causes exist that could be addressed to help mitigate many of the complexities that occur during this shift in care. Patient safety, quality of care, and provider safety are all at risk if improvements are not made and problems not identified or rectified.