What does RTW mean in GERMAN

RTWs respond to a variety of medical emergencies, including trauma, cardiac arrest, stroke, respiratory distress, poisoning, and chronic conditions like diabetes. They also provide pre-hospital care in preparation for hospital admission or transport to another facility.

The staff operating the RTWs typically consists of at least two people—an emergency medical technician and a paramedic or registered nurse with additional advanced life support training. Depending on the location, more personnel may be present in the ambulance.

An ambulance must be well-equipped to treat emergency patients and facilitate safe transport. Commonly carried items can include oxygen delivery systems, intubation equipment, intravenous supplies and medications, trauma dressings, splints and immobilization devices, defibrillators and monitors, cardiac resuscitation drugs, advanced airway devices such as laryngeal masks or airways.

Pre-hospital times vary depending on several factors such as distance from treatment facilities and condition of the patient. However, paramedics usually try to ensure that patients are delivered within twenty minutes of arrival at scene.

Paramedics take many precautions during transport such as using specialized stretcher units with straps for securing patients; securing themselves in the vehicle via seat belts; strobe lights and audible alarms utilized at certain locations; assessing traffic patterns prior to entering roadway intersections; positioning patient's head away from impacting objects outside the vehicle; taking into consideration weather conditions while driving; etc. The safety of both patient and crew is paramount during transport situations.