University Children’s Hospital at UCI Medical Center
Initiates Transport Service for Critically Ill Mothers and Children

Orange, Calif., December 12, 2002 -- University Children’s Hospital at UCI Medical Center along with Care Ambulance Service, Inc., recently put into service a specialized ambulance for critically ill mothers and children—the only such unit in Orange County and one of only a half dozen in the state.

Equipped with mood lights to keep kids calm, hydraulics for a smooth ride, an X-ray viewing box for in-route diagnosis and a blanket warmer that doubles as a bottle warmer, the NaviStar ambulance is “a top-of-the-line, self-contained, mobile ICU environment,” says transport coordinator Susana Perez.

Six captain chairs comfortably accommodate the response team, which by law, must include at least one physician and at least one nurse or respiratory therapist when a neonate (birth to 30 days) is involved.

The team includes four dedicated drivers and 16 nurses, who regularly respond to emergencies in San Bernardino, Riverside and Los Angeles Counties as well as Orange County. “The ambulance is really an extension of our NICU as the transport team keeps in continuous contact with the University Children’s Hospital neonatal specialists,” said Dr. Feizal Waffarn, chairman of the department of pediatrics. “This constant communication helps us prepare for the patient’s arrival and any emergencies that may arise en route.”

The ambulance has an electric lift for gurneys and incubators, the latter of which are equipped with ventilators, heart monitors, oxygen bottles and safety belts that strap the incubators securely to the floor. Backup cameras and a device that monitors driving ensure patient and response team safety.

“The bottom line is this new transport service means we can attend to emergencies quicker and provide a safer, more comfortable ride for mothers with high-risk pregnancies and critically ill pediatric patients from newborns to 18 years,” says Perez.

University Children’s Hospital is devoted exclusively to the care of children from before birth through late adolescence.  University Children’s Hospital physicians and surgeons have provided medical care to children since 1976, and have led the way in medical research and education focusing on children.  Specialized programs include perinatal-neonatal care, Antoci Center for Pediatric Urology and Nephrology, pediatric critical care, neurology, epilepsy, ophthalmology, kidney transplantation, general surgery, plastic and reconstructive surgery, autism, developmental disorders, genetics, metabolic disorders and psychiatry.  For more information, visit www.ucihealth.com/kids.

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Contact: 
Kim Pine 
(714) 456-7759
kpine@uci.edu