St. Louis Children’s Hospital is the only pediatric hospital in Missouri and Illinois that is nationally recognized by the American College of Surgeons (ACS) as a level 1 Pediatric Trauma Center–the highest classification of trauma care. That means 24 hours a day, seven days a week, we are here to provide the highest level of trauma and emergency care for your patient. When you choose our transport services, your patient has full access to our medical expertise and services.
Multiple modes of transport
We have multiple ways to transfer patients safely:
- Mobile intensive care units (MICUs): Our MICUs carry equipment and supplies for airway management, artificial ventilation, oxygenation, suction, and patient monitoring.
- Helicopters: Our helicopters are equipped to carry newborns and pediatric patients. This includes specialized ventilators, monitors, pediatric airway equipment, IVs, and medications.
- Airplane: Fixed-wing flights are equipped the same as helicopters. They are typically used for long distances, or in cases where the helicopter is unable to fly.
Specialized pediatric services
- The largest team of pediatric surgeons in the region: Our pediatric surgical team includes six general surgeons, four neurosurgeons, six orthopedic surgeons, and two plastic surgeons.
- Pediatric neurocritical care program: Pediatric neurosurgeons, neurologists, and critical care team members provide specialized care for traumatic brain injuries as fast and effectively as possible.
- Pediatric replantation and revascularization services: Our pediatric trauma center is the only one in the region providing replantation and revascularization services for children 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
- Pediatric burn program: Our program is recognized by the American Burn Association. We specialize in “ouchless” care for pediatric burn patients.
- Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO): Patients with complex cardiac conditions and advanced lung diseases require specialized care at Children’s and are transported via a specially trained ECMO medical team and mobile ECMO circuit.
- Neonatal specialized care: Any newborn requiring specialized care, including both surgical and subspecialist consultation, are transported via a team of neonate-trained nurses and paramedics. They are equipped with everything needed to administer intensive care management in the field, including nitric oxide and high frequency modes of ventilation.
Certified and experienced core transport team
All our transport team nurses are registered nurses and are required to have a minimum of five years’ experience in the emergency unit (EU), neonatal intensive care unit (NICU), or pediatric intensive care unit (PICU). Our transport team paramedics have extensive emergency medical services (EMS) field experience and are highly skilled in management of emergent situations.
Our transport team nurses and paramedics have a variety of certifications, including:
- Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS)
- Neonatal Resuscitation Program (NRP)
- National Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support (ACLS) and Certified Neonatal Pediatric Transport (C-NPT)
Specialized maternal and fetal care
Expectant moms requiring specialized transport benefit from a joint team from Barnes-Jewish Hospital and St. Louis Children’s Hospital. Expectant moms are taken to our state-of-the-art Women & Infants Center equipped to handle high-risk deliveries, fetal care, and Level IV newborn intensive care.
Ready to respond
The transport team is ready to respond 24 hours a day, seven days a week to emergencies with teams stationed at St. Louis Children’s Hospital and St. Louis Downtown Airport. Our primary response area includes hospitals in Missouri and Illinois. We also provide services throughout the United States and Canada. The appropriate mode of transport is based on the patient’s condition, the weather, and distance.
Clear communication
- The team follows a policy of family-centered care, and family members are encouraged to be present when possible.
- When the patient is ready for transport, the transport team calls St. Louis Children’s Hospital and relays any specific care needs to the receiving physician.
- If there are any changes en route, the transport team communicates these changes to the receiving unit so that the child will receive the care they need.
How to make a referral
Transportation appointments are made only by a referral from a physician. Physicians should call our referral line, Children’s Direct, at 1.800.678.4357 to make a referral. Learn more about arranging a transport.
