Appointments are made only by a referral from a physician. Physicians should call Children's Direct at 800.678.HELP (4357) to make a referral.
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Announcement: The St. Louis Children's Hospital Critical Care Transport Team has been recently awarded full accreditation from CAMTS (Commission on Accreditation of Medical Transport Systems)!
An experienced transport team...The Best Choice for Your Child!
St. Louis Children's Hospital offers the most comprehensive and experienced pediatric and newborn transport service in the Midwest, completing more than 2,500 trips each year. Each transport mission is tailored to meet the needs of the child being transported and is staffed by a specially-trained medical team. The team typically consists of two Registered Nurses and a Paramedic. Depending upon the condition of the child, the team may also include a physician or other specialist for your child's condition. Our dedicated team is available 24/7 to provide a bridge of intensive care - even for the most medically complex child - while en route to Children's Hospital or returning from treatment.
Team members
Transport Team Nurses have a variety of certifications including Pediatric Advanced life Support (PALS), Neonatal Resuscitation Program (NRP) and a national trauma certification. All are Registered Nurses and are required to have a minimum of 5 years experience in the NICU, PICU or EU.
Transport Team Paramedics have a variety of certifications including PALS, NRP and a national trauma certification. They have extensive EMS field experience and are highly skilled in management of emergent situations.
In addition some transports may include the added expertise of pediatric specialists such as a cardiologist, neonatologist or respiratory therapist.
Ready to respond
When critically-ill newborns and children need quick access to the specialized care offered at St. Louis Children's Hospital, the transport team stands ready to respond. Our primary response area includes hospitals in Missouri and Illinois, and we provide services throughout the United States and Canada. The team chooses the appropriate mode of transportation based on patient condition, as well as weather and distance.
Caring for patients
Upon arrival at the referring hospital, patients are stabilized and readied for transport. When possible, care is provided in connection with the referring hospital staff. The team also follows a policy of family-based care, and when possible family members are encouraged to be present.
When the patient is ready for transport, the transport team calls Children’s Hospital and relays any specific care needs to the receiving physician. If there are any changes while en route to Children’s, the transport team has the ability to communicate these to the receiving unit so that the child will receive the care he or she needs.
Follow-up with referring hospitals
We value the importance of communication with referring hospitals. The transport team provides a report to referring hospitals within 48 hours of admission to St. Louis Children's Hospital. This includes a follow-up survey to assure that our quality of services continually improves.
Education
The transport team is available to provide educational programs to referring hospitals. For more information or to speak with the transport team manager, call Children's Direct at 800.678.HELP (4357).
