On Aug. 12, Good Samaritan Hospital announced the completion of the annual training for the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) Transport Team. This rigorous, hands-on course, which featured mock scenarios, was attended by 31 people (including nine who are new to the crew). This team is made up of neonatal nurse practitioners, registered nurses and respiratory therapists.
Operated in partnership with Royal Ambulance, the emergency transport vehicle is now stationed at Good Sam. It is kept in a state of “stand by” readiness. This vehicle ensures safe, seamless transport for the hospital’s tiniest and most fragile patients, the neonatal newborns. This transport equipment includes incubator, ventilation and respirator support, monitors, IV and medication equipment and, of course, the transport team.
“When our neonatal transport team is activated, we’re immediately bringing a higher level of care to that baby—no matter where they are,” said Jesse Francomano, clinical nurse coordinator, from Sunrise Children’s Hospital in Las Vegas. Francomano led the training.
If you have ever been around a newborn needing neonatal critical care, you’ll understand how important this ambulance and the training of those who staff it is. During the birth of a child we all hope things will go smoothly. Yet many things can go wrong. The cry of a newborn is one of the most exciting sounds on earth, especially to the new parents.
Neonatal care refers to the first 28 days of life. If you’ve ever delivered a preemie, you’ll know how critical this expert care is—such as if a baby needs to be moved to another hospital.
This neonatal transport vehicle is staffed by a team that’s dedicated to professionalism in delicate and time-sensitive situations. This critical care is administered within the walls of this ambulance. It is up to the care team if the parent is allowed to ride in the ambulance with their child. A preemie or critically ill baby may be transported from a small hospital to a larger one that can provide Level III or IV care. A baby, born at Good Sam may need transport to Stanford Children’s Hospital (a Level IV).
The NICU is the intensive care unit for newborns. When a child is born too fragile or sick to go to the regular nursery, they go to the NICU. Many factors can contribute to a newborn needing this sort of care. It may be the child was born with low birth weight; or there may have been complications during delivery. The NICU staff all work closely with parents and the family to develop a treatment plan for the newborn. This provides the neonatal baby a chance to grow and to recover—and begin to develop fully.
Those born before 37 weeks of pregnancy, with a low birth rate of less than 5 pounds, 8 ounces, who are sick or unstable, or born with birth defects can all be helped by Good Samaritan’s specially equipped ambulance. Now, the transport of babies that need this critical care is made much easier.
This dedicated, well-trained team that rides in the ambulance will ensure newborns that need this specialized care receive it in any transport situation. If you are lucky enough to be living in our Los Gatos area, you have this ambulance close by.
At the hospital
When a newborn arrives at Good Sam, the NICU staff takes over. Good Sam has a Level III NICU that provides complex interventions to keep them alive. However, during the time the child is in the ambulance, it receives what may be considered lifesaving care.
At the hospital, the neonatal unit is staffed around-the-clock by a multidisciplinary team. This team includes neonatologists, neonatal nurses practitioners, respiratory therapists, registered nurses, case managers, dietitians, social workers and location consultants.
Bonnie Dutton, assistant chief nursing officer of women’s and children’s services at Good Sam, states, “Our neonatal transport team is truly exceptional. This training reflects our commitment to ensuring every newborn, no matter where their journey begins, receives the highest quality care, backed by expertise, compassion and teamwork.”
From Good Sam’s Aug. 12 press release: “With enhanced capabilities, seamless coordination and an unwavering focus on patient safety, Good Samaritan Hospital’s Neonatal Transport Team is among the most trained across Northern California, ready to respond when seconds count the most.”
