Our Patients and Families

SWAT is the University of Michigan's internal transport program extending through out the University of Michigan Health System's care. Our highly skilled critical care nurses are available Monday through Friday 7 am - 11 pm and Saturdays 7 am - 7 pm.  
SWAT provides the following services:

• Safe transport of patients, from the neonate to adult population.
• Safe transport of the ICU patient to diagnostic procedural areas.  The patients will receive continuous monitoring and treatment throughout the transport and procedure.
• Transfers of neonates and newborns needing specialized intensive care services.
• Physician-ordered conscious sedation including pre- and post-procedure assessment and monitoring.
• Assistance with patients in crisis on the acute care floors until the patient has returned to base line or is transferred to the ICU.

SWAT combines the most advanced patient care and transportation needs with highly skilled personnel and teamwork.  SWAT nurses ensure continuity and quality of care, a safe transport environment and a high standard of professionalism.

Philosophy of Care

SWAT was developed as a result of the bargaining efforts of nursing administration and the union.  The intent was to increase employee satisfaction (nurses)  by assisting in the workload, specifically road-trips.  What began as a two person team covering the adult ICU’s, has now expanded to 9 FTE’s covering the neonate, pediatric and adult populations.  SWAT’s goal is to provide assistance to as many patients as possible and the request for assistance continues to grow daily.

Our Nursing Team

SWAT nursing is the in-house transport service staffed separately from the flight nurses. Continuing with the mission of quality patient care the SWAT nurses pilot program began with "road-tripping" in the adult ICU's and has now expanded to a service which crosses all the barriers of nursing and patient care. The role they provide to the institution is invaluable.