Emergency Transport FAQs
We receive many questions about emergency transport services, our team and how we work with healthcare professionals, patients and families. Here are a few of the most commonly asked.
Does the CHOP transport team pick up patients from accident scenes?
No. We are an interfacility transport team — we transport patients from one facility to another.
Does the CHOP transport team pick-up patients from home?
No, we do not pick-up patients from home. We are not licensed as a "911" provider. Parents with an ill child should call "911" for transport to the closest hospital for initial treatment and stabilization. We are available to transport patients from local Emergency Departments to The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia.
What is an ETA and why can't you provide an exact pick up or departure time?
ETA stands for "estimated time of arrival." It is not possible to give an exact time of arrival for emergency transports because many factors, such as weather, traffic, and other acutely ill or injured patients can affect the process.
Can parents accompany their children during the transport?
Our transport team always tries to accommodate at least one parent. Sometimes it is not possible because of factors beyond our control, such as aircraft weight limitations or space availability. Patient safety comes first but we do our best to keep a parent with the child during this time of need.
What training do the members of your Emergency Transport Team have?
The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia requires that every transport have a primary transport nurse on board. This nurse has completed an extensive orientation process (12 weeks to six months, based on prior experience) in all of the following areas: neonatal intensive care, cardiac intensive care, pediatric intensive care, emergency care, airway management and advanced skills. In addition, our primary transport nurses must pass the state PHRN (prehospital registered nurse) certification and participate in ongoing education in altitude physiology, safety, trauma, disease processes and management and other subjects.
Arrange a Transport
- 215-590-2160
- Contact Us Online