Every second counts when a child needs critical care, and Texas Children’s now has a faster way to get to them.
With the arrival of a new Kangaroo Crew helicopter for the Austin campus, our hospital is the first children’s hospital in the city with an aircraft dedicated to transporting critically ill patients. This milestone brings lifesaving care closer to families across Central Texas.
The helicopter represents more than just speed. It saves precious minutes, expands access to specialized care and allows the team to reach patients wherever they are. In many ways, the aircraft is a flying extension of Texas Children’s that reaches distances of up to 120 nautical miles, carrying the promise of expert care into the skies.
The Austin base builds on the success of the Kangaroo Crew’s first helicopter in Houston, which has already transported hundreds of critically ill patients. Together, the two helicopters, along with ground ambulances and a fixed-wing aircraft, allow the hospital to move patients to all four campuses.
Within minutes of a call, the Kangaroo Crew springs into action by ground, jet or helicopter. Each transport is a mobile intensive care unit, staffed with highly trained clinicians and packed with advanced equipment to provide the same care patients would receive inside our hospital. Each year, the crew completes more than 2,000 transports across Texas and beyond, often traveling to other states to bring patients to our hospital for life-saving treatment.
“This launch represents a proud moment for Texas Children’s and for the Kangaroo Crew,” said Dr. Basheer Ahmed, program director for the Kangaroo Crew. “The advancement of our rotor program underscores our commitment to being a trusted and dependable partner for our patients and our care partners. Our helicopter expansion strengthens our ability to deliver the highest level of care when every second counts.”The Kangaroo Crew’s work begins long before an aircraft or vehicle takes off. When a call comes into the 24/7 communications center, the team coordinates with subspecialists, develops a plan of care and prepares to deliver treatment from the first moment of transport. Their skill and precision allow the hospital to respond quickly and confidently when patients need care the most.
As the Austin helicopter begins missions, we celebrate the Kangaroo Crew and the extraordinary work they do to move hope, healing, and care mile by mile.
Become a TCH Ambassador to Support the Kangaroo Crew
The Texas Children’s Ambassadors program selects one area of critical need each year, and for 2026, the beneficiary is the Kangaroo Crew. Ambassadors funding will support targeted innovations, including enhanced training, infant transfer equipment, in-flight charting and operational improvements to help teams reach patients faster and more safely. Team members are encouraged to become Ambassadors and support the Kangaroo Crew as they continue delivering lifesaving care across Texas and beyond. Click here to join or renew your membership today!
