What should be done if a patient expires during transport?

In situations where a patient expires during transport, the most appropriate action is to transport the patient without further Basic Life Support (BLS) or Advanced Life Support (ALS) interventions. This aligns with protocols that prioritize the safety and mental wellbeing of the crew while also respecting the deceased patient.

Transporting without further interventions allows the crew to manage the situation professionally, ensuring that all necessary documentation and notifications are handled appropriately upon arrival at the hospital. This approach acknowledges the patient’s status and avoids unnecessary prolongation of resuscitation efforts that may no longer be effective or indicated.

In comparison, immediately resuscitating the patient is generally not considered appropriate once a patient is declared deceased, as it can lead to ethical and legal complications, and is not a standard practice following expiration. Returning to the point of departure would unnecessarily delay patient care for remaining patients and prevent timely communication with receiving facilities. Continuing to the hospital while notifying upon arrival would not capture the patient’s deceased status properly and could complicate the handover process. Thus, transporting without further interventions provides a clear and respectful way to handle the situation following the loss of a patient during transport.