On Saturday, February 1, the Kangaroo Crew took to the sky and transported its first patient via helicopter. After 20 years of transporting critically ill patients via plane and ground ambulance and months of preparation and training, the crew added a third form of transport to its fleet.
In partnership with PHI, the world’s leader in air medical helicopter transport, the Kangaroo Crew now offers a new way to safely and efficiently get patients to any of our four Texas Children’s facilities.
“Having a helicopter at our disposal enables us to respond quicker to the most critically ill patients in need,” said Dr. Basheer Ahmed, Transport Program Director. “When treating these patients, every second counts. Having this new form of patient transport will help us revolutionize pediatric, neonatal and maternal transport care within our region.”
The Kangaroo Crew fleet has 10 ground ambulances – eight in Houston and two in Austin – strategically located at each of the hospital campuses, one fixed wing Pilatus PC24 and now one Bell 407 Helicopter based at Hobby Airport. Each transport vehicle is specially equipped to provide the highest level of care during transport of patients regionally and from across the United States.
Our specialized critical care, neonatal and maternal transport teams include clinicians who are trained to support the unique clinical needs of these populations and have a background in intensive care and Level I trauma. They are comprised of highly trained nurses, registered respiratory therapists, emergency medical technicians and paramedics who can operate a TCH-level intensive care unit on the road or in the air. This team is truly like no other, performing life sustaining care in the smallest of spaces, with only limited amounts of supplies and medications at their fingertips. They undergo rigorous annual training in all modes of transportation and patient populations.
Want to join the team? The Kangaroo Crew is looking to add talent to this incredible group of heroes. If you’re looking for a new role or know someone who would love to work on the crew, please visit the Opportunity Marketplace in Voyager.
