CCT Training Courses – Transportation of Intensive Care Patients
Artesans-ResQ Ukraine team, in cooperation with the World Health Organization (WHO) and the Ministry of Health of Ukraine, has developed and implemented the Critical Care Transport (CCT) Training Programme aimed at strengthening national capacity in the safe stabilization and transport of critically ill and injured patients.
The programme provides a unified and standardized approach to developing and maintaining the competencies required for critical care transfers. It is based on practical, competency-oriented learning that integrates clinical excellence, teamwork, and effective communication. The primary goal of the programme is to ensure that every patient, regardless of region, receives timely and high-quality care during transfer.
The course consists of three consecutive stages.
The first stage – the CCT Provider Course is an intensive four-day programme that combines theoretical modules, hands-on practice, and high-fidelity simulation scenarios focused on patient stabilization, airway management, and teamwork during transport.
The second stage – the CCT Internship allows medical professionals to apply their newly acquired knowledge in real hospital or emergency medical service settings under the supervision of certified instructors, enhancing teamwork and procedural safety.
The third stage – the CCT Instructor Course prepares experienced specialists to become national trainers, emphasizing adult learning methodologies, debriefing techniques, and leadership in educational environments.
From 2023 to March 2026, the ARQ team conducted a series of standardized trainings on the transport of critically ill patients.
The trainings were completed by 340 emergency medical care professionals from different regions of Ukraine, including Lviv, Vinnytsia, Kirovohrad, Volyn, Zhytomyr, Donetsk, Kharkiv, Chernihiv, Zaporizhzhia, Sumy, and Poltava oblasts, as well as national-level representatives and specialists from the Superhumans Center.
MEDEVAC – Transportation of Patients Abroad
With the onset of the full-scale war in Ukraine, the Medevac program was launched to assist Ukrainian victims who require specialized treatment and further rehabilitation abroad. In collaboration with the Ministry of Health of Ukraine and the European Commission, evacuation flights are conducted to save the lives of the most critically ill patients.
Artesans-ResQ Ukraine is a vital part of the Medevac program. To date, we have completed over 3 000 evacuations of critically ill patients who were on the brink of life and death.
These are the most severe cases, patients with serious injuries, burns, traumatic brain injuries, or those requiring urgent transplants or long-term treatment.
The main directions of medical evacuation include:
– Patients with injuries and wounds sustained during combat.
– Individuals requiring long-term rehabilitation that is not possible in Ukraine.
– Patients with extremely complex medical conditions that demand specialized treatment abroad.
– Evacuation of injured children.
To carry out this extremely important mission, we involve not only medical workers from all over Ukraine but also international volunteers and medics who work alongside us to ensure maximum support during each evacuation flight.
We always operate under extreme conditions, where every minute counts for the patient’s life. Together with the Medevac program, we continue to fight for the lives of each victim, despite challenging circumstances.
All costs for treatment and transportation are covered by the partner organizations, making the evacuation free of charge for Ukrainian patients.
This mission carries special significance in times of war. We continue to work to preserve the lives of people, supporting those who need it most. We are grateful for the support of volunteers and medics from around the world who help us carry out this crucial work.
Transportation of Adult Intensive Care Patients
Patient transportation is a core of our work, and we put maximum effort into achieving the best possible outcomes for our patients. However, this process begins long before the patient embarks on their journey in the ambulance. Below are some of the key steps involved in each patient transfer.
Pre-Transport Preparation Stage
The first step is preparing for the transport. This involves a series of measures, starting with determining the patient’s departure and destination points and concluding with detailed route planning. In addition, comprehensive checklists and internal protocols ensure that our medical professionals and drivers have the training, equipment, and support that they need to provide high-quality patient care and safely handle any emergency.
Medical Consultations and Assessment
The next step includes consultations with the medical staff at the facility where the patient is currently located. These consultations cover key information about the patient’s condition. One day before the transport and again shortly before departure, we conduct a thorough examination of the patient. This allows us to carefully evaluate the severity of their condition, anticipate problems, and minimize the likelihood of complications during transport.
Patient Evaluation and Therapy Adjustment
The patient’s condition is assessed according to established protocols that allow a comprehensive analysis of all parameters. If necessary, adjustments are made to address specific conditions. In collaboration with the attending medical staff, we adapt the treatment plan, including medications, to meet the patient’s needs. While the hospital environment provides stability, our responsibility is to ensure not only the patient’s safety but also their comfort during transport.
Adapting Care to Transport Conditions
Special attention is given to adapting therapeutic measures to transport conditions, as the patient transitions from the stable environment of a hospital ward to the dynamic setting of a journey. Our team proactively mitigates potential risks and creates the most comfortable conditions to maintain the patient’s stability throughout every stage of transportation.
Transportation of Critically Ill Children and Newborns
Transportation of children is an extremely challenging task that requires a high level of professionalism and utmost focus. Although all critical care patients require special care, the margin for error with a child or newborn is exceptionally narrow.
• Our team includes professionals with expertise in transporting critically ill children long distances for specialized medical treatment. We are trusted with the most complex cases, including lengthy international patient transfers.
• Our team is trained and equipped to provide the highest level of pediatric and neonatal medical care during transportation.
• We adhere to international transportation standards, ensuring the safety and comfort of the child throughout the process.
Since early 2022, our team has successfully transported 116 pediatric patients and 51 neonates.
