Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19): Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) for transporting a suspect/confirmed case of COVID-19
This SOP is applicable to current phase of COVID-19 pandemic in India (local transmission and limited community transmission), wherein as per plan of action, all suspect cases are admitted to isolation facilities. These procedures are meant to guide and be used for training ambulance drivers and technicians in transporting COVID19 patients. These also aim to support programme officers in monitoring functionality and infection prevention protocols of the ambulances. Ideally, there should be ambulances identified specifically for transporting COVID suspect patients or those who have developed complications, to the health facilities. Currently, there are two types of ambulances – ALS (with ventilators) and BLS (without ventilators). States may empanel other ambulances having basic equipment like that of BLS and use it for COVID patients. However, this must be ensured that strict adherence to cleaning and decontamination protocols given here in the guidance note need to be followed. The fleet in - charge or person designated by CMO/CS, will supervise its adherence.
