[Prehospital non-transport: a safe practice?].
Revue medicale suisse · 2026-08-19 · Other / unclear
Abstract
Prehospital emergency services worldwide are facing unprecedented and growing demands. This overload compromises the quality and safety of care and shifts the burden of care to hospitals. Non-transport is defined as an intervention in which the patient is left on site after assessment or is not transported by ambulance (third-party transport), either at the initiative of the healthcare professional or due to the patient's refusal. This practice appears to vary widely, carries risks, and requires standardization of protocols. This article summarizes safety data, risk factors, and medicolegal issues.