Children’s Memorial Hermann Hospital Debuts Two New Specially-Equipped Pediatric Ambulances

The vehicles are designated Specialized Emergency Medical Services Vehicles, which is a level above Advanced Life Support ambulances and signal that the vehicle is carrying extra personnel with specialized medical training.

Children’s Memorial Hermann recently became the first pediatric hospital in the region to receive certification as a Level I pediatric trauma center from the American College of Surgeons. The new ambulances will enable the Children’s Transport Team to transfer more children from throughout the region for Level I care at the hospital.

“Our recent certification as the only Level I pediatric trauma center in the region coupled with this investment in state-of-the-art pediatric ambulances for specialized transport services demonstrates our strong commitment to providing the best possible care for children,” said Craig Cordola, CEO of Children’s Memorial Hermann.

The new vehicles essentially serve as mobile pediatric ICU rooms, according to Charles Cox, M.D., director of the pediatric trauma program at Children’s Memorial Hermann and distinguished professor of pediatric surgery at The University of Texas Medical School at Houston.

“The transport team will be able to do anything in the ambulance that can be done in a pediatric ICU, including some surgical procedures like placing chest tubes and breathing tubes,” Cox said.

Additional capabilities include using IV pumps, continuous cardiac and respiratory monitoring, CO2 monitoring and invasive line monitoring. En route to the hospital, the team can be in constant contact by phone with a pediatric ICU physician at Children’s Memorial Hermann.

The roomier vehicles and larger patient care compartment will make long trips more comfortable, and there is additional seating for a family member or additional medical team member.

A built-in generator keeps the waiting ambulance cool or warm even while the engine is off. A refrigerator allows the team to store medications that require lower storage temperature. Other amenities include an IV fluid warmer, and storage and electrical outlets for multiple IV pumps, ventilators and monitors.

The ambulances also are equipped with DVD players, so children’s movies or music can provide a distraction for alert children.

“Studies show that seriously ill children who are transported for higher-level care by a neonatal/specialty care team have better outcomes,” said Jeff Mills, R.N., clinical manager of the Children’s Transport Team. “The upgraded ambulances are an incredible new resource that will allow us to do our jobs even better than before.”

Children’s Memorial Hermann recently received verification as a Level I pediatric trauma center by the American College of Surgeons Committee on Trauma. This marks the first year the hospital has received this verification as a stand-alone Level I pediatric trauma center.