[Interhospital intensive care transport in Germany: current state in 2023-results of a stakeholder survey].
Medizinische Klinik, Intensivmedizin und Notfallmedizin · 2026-05-22 · Observational study
Abstract
BACKGROUND: In recent years, the demand for interhospital intensive care transport in Germany has steadily increased. These transports, particularly elective transfers, are predominantly carried out by specialized transport units, such as intensive care ambulances and helicopters. National standards (DIN) and recommendations from the German Interdisciplinary Association for Intensive Care Medicine set out requirements for the equipment and personnel of rescue vehicles. OBJECTIVE: The goal of this study is to examine organizational structures, personnel and equipment standards, and deployment volumes in 2023. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Between August 2024 and January 2025, a paper-based survey was distributed to all medical directors of emergency medical services, service providers operating specialized intensive care transport units, relevant dispatch centers and the responsible ministries of the German federal states. RESULTS: Of the 464 questionnaires distributed, the overall response rate was 15.5%, with service providers achieving the highest response rate of 20.8%. Each specialized transport unit conducted a median of 384 (interquartile range [IQR]: 109-825) emergency service operations in 2023, including 115 (IQR: 18-416) secondary transports. The reported data indicate broad compliance with established standards for minimum personnel qualifications and technical equipment. However, only 58-61 % of responding organizations implement mandatory regular continuing education. CONCLUSION: This nationwide survey reveals significant variations in the German intensive care transport system, particularly in terms of resource allocation and deployment frequency. In 2023, only 58-61 % reported mandatory regular continuing education, which should be addressed in further studies and guidelines.