USA Health is adding new ground and air services with dedicated staff to transport critically ill or injured newborns and children to Children’s and Women’s Hospital in Mobile.
The Cub Crew will include nurses, respiratory therapists and paramedics — all specially trained for the assignment — who are available around the clock to care for children during ground or air transport.
“Research shows improved outcomes when newborns and children are transported by specialized critical care teams,” said Brooke Olson, nurse manager for the Cub Crew. “They have better survival rates and fewer complications compared to those transferred by general emergency vehicles. Neonatal and pediatric critical care transport bridges the gap between where the child is and where they need to be, ensuring they receive the best possible care throughout the journey.”
Helicopter flights for pediatric patients are slated to being in August with neonatal flights, which will include a transport isolette for the infant, slated to start this fall.
USA Health notes that team members “have been cross-trained in the neonatal intensive care unit, pediatric intensive care unit and pediatric emergency department. The Cub Crew also completed flight safety training, clinical ride-alongs, and coursework through the Air & Surface Transport Nurses Association.”
Natalie Fox, interim CEO for USA Health, said, “When a child is critically ill or injured, we know that every minute counts. Now, with an expanded critical care transport team, staffed and ready to respond by air or ground, we are significantly reducing response times and improving timely access to specialized care — ultimately leading to better outcomes for our youngest patients.”
