INTRA-HOSPITAL TRANSPORT OF PRETERM NEWBORNS ON NON-INVASIVE VENTILATION: FUNDAMENTALS, TECHNIQUE, AND SAFETY.

Intra-hospital transport of the preterm newborn represents one of the highest-risk clinical moments in the neonatal period, demanding strict continuity of ventilatory support initiated in the delivery room. This article presents a Standard Operating Protocol (SOP) for physiotherapy practice during intra-hospital transport of preterm newborns on non-invasive ventilation (NIV) using a T-piece manual ventilator, developed and implemented at the Balbina Mestrinho State Maternity Hospital in Manaus, Amazonas, Brazil. The protocol defines clinical criteria for indication and contraindication based on the Silverman-Andersen Score and the expected oxygen saturation values for neonatal transition, standardised procedures for assembly and equipment checking of the Baby Puff device, reference ventilatory parameters, continuous monitoring during transport, and structured management of adverse events. Grounded in national and international guidelines for neonatal resuscitation and transport, the protocol aims to reduce variability in clinical practice, decrease desaturation episodes during transport, and enhance the clinical safety of the preterm newborn. The standardisation presented contributes to the qualification of neonatal physiotherapy in medium- and large-sized maternity hospitals.