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The Norton Children’s Hospital “Just for Kids” Transport Team conducts patient transports for severely ill or injured babies and children, 24/7, by ground, helicopter or plane.
When your child is in need of emergency care, we are standing ready. Available 24/7, on the ground or in the air, the Norton Children’s Hospital “Just for Kids” Transport Team provides specialized care for patients traveling between hospitals. The “Just for Kids” Transport Team also provides access throughout the region to the only free-standing pediatric hospital in the commonwealth of Kentucky.
The “Just for Kids” Transport Team started in 1978 as an ambulance service for young children. Now, more than 45 years later, we transport more than 2,500 children annually.Our 35-member team cares for children of all ages, from newborns to young adults up to age 21, and can transport patients anywhere in the continental U.S.During every trip, each child has a three-member crew attending to them at all times, customizing their care based on their specific health needs. A registered nurse, respiratory therapist and emergency medical technician will collaborate together with your child’s care team of physicians and specialists to ensure they arrive safely to their designated Norton Children’s medical facility.Safety for our patients and staff is a top priority, and all team members and vehicles affiliated with the “Just For Kids” Transport Team remain up to date on the latest training measures, including all state and federal licensing and inspection requirements.
Patient Transport Process
Communication With CaregiversDuring a transport, communication with the child’s caregiver is a priority, and we make every attempt to ensure a caregiver can accompany the child during the trip. If for some reason a caregiver is unable to accompany their child, our team makes a call to the child’s caregiver as soon as they arrive at their Norton Children’s facility with an update on the child’s status and all necessary location details related to the child’s hospital visit.
When arriving at the hospital, visitors should enter the main lobby or emergency department and explain that their child was brought there by the “Just for Kids” Transport Team. More information will be provided.
Specialized pediatric transportation can make a tremendous difference in health outcomes of our patients, including improved survival and recovery rates. Our methods of pediatric patient transport allow severely ill or injured children to quickly receive the lifesaving, specialized interventions they need in critical situations when every minute counts.
More than 60% of babies in the Norton Children’s Hospital neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) arrive via the “Just for Kids” Transport Team. Our specialized equipment allows for the safe transport of critically ill preemies, and since more premature babies are surviving at smaller birth weights, other hospitals in the region may choose the care of Norton Children’s neonatal specialists.Many older children also rely on the transport team to bring them to a Norton Children’s facility for care from pediatric intensivists, surgeons, hospitalists and subspecialists, including the pediatric intensive care unit (PICU) and Jennifer Lawrence Cardiac Intensive Care Unit (CICU).
Who We TransportMembers of the transport team are able to care for ill and injured newborn and pediatric patients with conditions such as:
Where We TransportWe arrange transport for pediatric patients located anywhere in the contiguous U.S. and transport them to a designated Norton Children’s medical facility. Your child’s provider and transport team will advise you on the specific location of the hospital where your child will be transported and receive treatment.
Norton Children’s Hospital231 E. Chestnut St.Louisville, KY 40202(502) 629-6000Norton Children’s Hospital is Louisville’s only Level I Pediatric Trauma Center. Parking is available in the hospital parking garage at 210 Abraham Flexner Way.Norton Children’s Medical Center4910 Chamberlain LaneLouisville, KY 40241(502) 446-5000The Norton Children’s Medical Center emergency department is open 24/7 on the Norton Brownsboro Hospital campus.Norton Women’s & Children’s Hospital4001 Dutchmans LaneLouisville, KY 40207(502) 893-1000Norton Women’s & Children’s Hospital has a Level III neonatal intensive care unit (NICU).
The “Just for Kids” Transport Team has a fleet of four ambulances and a helicopter, providing the appropriate method of pediatric patient transport based on your child’s needs and condition. We are available to provide transport to our referral center partners 24/7, with nationwide transport capability.
Our transport vehicles are specially equipped and outfitted to address the acute health care needs of our critically ill or injured pediatric patients, including newborns, children and teens.The safety of our patients and staff is our first priority. Each vehicle maintains up-to-date licensure and inspections as required by state and federal agencies that oversee emergency medical services. Our pilots are licensed and certified with hundreds of hours of experience flying aircraft. They are trained in visual flight rules (VFR) and instrument flight rules (IFR).The transport fleet is made possible with support from the Norton Children’s Hospital Foundation. For ways to help or to learn more, go to HelpNortonChildrens.com.
Thank you for entrusting your child to our care. We understand how important quality medical care is for your child. Our goal is to transport your child safely and quickly to Norton Children’s Hospital for needed medical care. If you have any questions about our services or our staff, ask a member of your child’s transport team.
Sincerely,
“Just for Kids” Transport Team