Improving neonatal transport in the Third World--technology or teaching?

Neonatal transport in the Third World remains hazardous because of a shortage of human and material resources. An audit of the transportation of 126 surgically ill neonates was undertaken to identify areas where improvement is possible. Failure to maintain simple interventions such as intravenous fluid replacement and nasogastric drainage were found to be more important than inadequate technology in defining the status of the patient on arrival. Investment in education is likely to pay greater dividends than further technological advances.