Scope of Practice
The Transport Team provides safe, timely, high quality care during the transport of all neonatal and pediatric patients, regardless of diagnosis, race, ethnicity or financial background. Care is provided by specially trained pediatric and neonatal nurses, paramedics, EMT’s and physicians, based on the acuity and needs of the patient. Care is compassionate, professional and based on principles of family centered care. The needs of the family are considered and met with respect and support.
The Transport Team can transport patients by helicopter, fixed wing aircraft, or by ground in our Mobile Intensive Care Unit (MICU). The mode of transport is a collaborative decision based on the acuity of the patient, weather conditions and other factors.
The scope of care provided includes stabilization and transport of critically ill or injured patients. The team maintains contact with physicians at St. Louis Children’s Hospital throughout the transport. This provides the opportunity to relay pertinent patient information to SLCH, so the receiving unit is prepared for the patient. The Transport Team can provide conventional ventilation and multisystem support. They also provide return-transfers of less critical patients to lower acuity facilities. All patient care provided is based on current research and practices.
The Transport Team also provides formal and informal education for the referring hospital staff.