Enabling and Using the Return Transport Feature

Enabling and Using the Return Transport Feature

Purpose Statement

The purpose of this article is to explain how to enable and use the Return Transport feature in the EMS Incident Documentation module. This feature simplifies the process of documenting return transports by allowing users to quickly generate a second ePCR for a return trip with relevant information automatically carried over from the initial transport.

Background Information

In many EMS scenarios—especially involving hospital discharges, interfacility transfers, or post-procedure returns—patients may require a second transport back to their original location. Traditionally, crews complete two entirely separate ePCRs, duplicating much of the same patient and transport information.
The Return Transport feature streamlines this process by:
  • Automatically swapping the Scene Location and Destination fields
  • Pre-filling patient demographics and medical history
  • Reducing documentation time
  • Ensuring consistency across related transport records
This improves both operational efficiency and documentation accuracy for EMS agencies.

Required Permissions



To enable and use the Return Transport feature, the following permissions are required:

For System Admins:
  1. EMS Setup - Manage 
For Field Users:
  1. My EMS Care Reports 
    1. Read
    2. Create 
    3. Update

Video


Step-by-Step Guide


Enable the Return Transport Feature (Admin Setup)

1. Navigate to Incident Documentation > EMS Setup





2. Click on the General section


Click on the General section



3. Locate the setting labeled Enable Return Transport Feature
  1. Check the box to enable this functionality


Locate the setting labeled Enable Return Transport Feature



4. Click Save to apply the configuration


Click on Save

Use the Return Transport Workflow

During Initial ePCR Documentation

1. Mark Patient for Return Transport
  1. While completing the original ePCR, scroll to the Disposition section
  2. Enable the toggle labeled Return transport required?
Info
This toggle marks the patient as needing a return trip and enables later selection from the return transport list.





Creating the Return Transport

1. Access the Return Transport Feature
  1. From the EMS Incident List, click +Add Return Transport





2. Select Patient from Return Transport Modal
  1. A Return Transport modal will display with a list of patients who require a return transport
    1. Use the search fields to filter by Incident Number, Unit Dispatch, Last Updated, Original Pickup Location.


A modal will display a list of Return Transports that can be filtered using the search fields.



    1. Click the icon next to the correct record to create a return transport ePCR


Once the return trip is located selecting the icon will generate a new ePCR with pre-populated information.



What Happens Next
  1. A new ePCR will be generated
  2. The original Scene Location (A) and Destination (B) will be automatically swapped
  3. The following fields will be carried over:
    1. Patient name
    2. Date of birth
    3. Allergies
    4. Medications
    5. Other demographic details
  4. The following fields will NOT be copied (these require fresh documentation):
    1. Vitals
    2. Assessments
    3. Narrative
    4. Signatures
Info
Once a return transport is created, the patient will be removed from the modal list.
If the return transport ePCR is deleted, the patient will reappear in the modal list as needing a return transport.

Best Practices

  1. Always enable the "Return transport required?" toggle during initial documentation when you know a return trip will be needed
  2. Complete all required fields in the return transport ePCR, as vital signs and assessments are not carried over
  3. Use the search filters in the Return Transport modal to quickly locate specific patients when working with multiple return transports
  4. Double-check location information after the automatic swap to ensure accuracy
  5. Document any changes in patient condition between transports in the narrative section

Troubleshooting & FAQs

Q: Why don't I see the "Return transport required?" toggle in the Disposition section?
A: The Return Transport feature may not be enabled. Contact your system administrator to verify the feature is activated in EMS Setup > General.
​
Q: A patient isn't appearing in the Return Transport modal list.
A: Verify that the "Return transport required?" toggle was enabled during the original ePCR documentation. Only patients marked for return transport will appear in this list.
​
Q: Can I modify the automatically swapped locations?
A: Yes, you can edit the Scene Location and Destination fields in the return transport ePCR if needed, though they are automatically populated for convenience.
​




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