When should documentation transition from prehospital care to prolonged field care?

Documentation transition from prehospital care to prolonged field care occurs when prehospital care ends. This transition is critical to ensure continuity of care and maintain a clear and accurate medical record. Proper documentation serves several purposes, including providing a comprehensive account of the patient’s condition, the treatments administered, and the rationale behind those decisions up to that point.

At the moment prehospital care concludes, it is vital to capture all relevant information to ensure that the subsequent care providers in the prolonged field care or any future medical facilities understand what has been done, the patient's status, and what further interventions may be necessary. This facilitates a seamless transition and can significantly impact patient outcomes.

The timing of documentation is essential—not waiting until reaching a facility or stabilization—because doing so could lead to gaps in crucial information that might be lost or forgotten over time. It ensures all pertinent details are recorded while they are fresh and readily available for the next phase of care.