by Bill Turner
Heads will be turning in southwest Virginia this fall as the new Carilion Clinic Children’s Hospital (CCCH) mobile Intensive Care Unit (ICU) hits the road. The mobile ICU is the first of its kind to serve southwest Virginia. It was purchased through local funds donated to Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals.
The mobile ICU is designed to transport neonatal and seriously ill children from area health care facilities to CCCH in Roanoke. The vehicle is equipped to provide life-sustaining care along with convenience and comfort for patients.
The vehicle features a large “box” layout, able to accommodate two patients (or neonatal twins). It also features:
• Central computer system monitoring GPS navigation, climate control, light/sirens and oxygen levels
• Large capacity air, oxygen and heliox tanks
• Large capacity external generator
• Dual suction capacity
• Temperature-controlled compartments for medication and fluids
• Air ride suspension to soften vibrations
• Monitors capable of caring for neonatal and pediatric patients: EKG, Respiratory rate, SpO2, Invasive and non-invasive blood pressure monitoring, Invasive CO2 monitoring, Invasive and non-invasive temperature monitoring, Defibrillation and synchronized cardioversion
• Hydraulic lift for neonatal isolettes
• Triple insulation for noise reduction
• 26-inch flat screen television and DVD player
The mobile ICU will be staffed by the CCCH Neonatal Pediatric Transport Team, a group of specially trained medical professionals dedicated to safely transporting neonatal and pediatric patients by ground and air throughout the region. The team performs more than 600 transports each year, covering 13,000 square miles, which includes three states, 44 counties and 25 referral facilities.
The mobile ICU’s unique exterior illustration was created by local artists Tony and Karen Kessler of Kessler Design, as a tribute to CCCH and the Roanoke Valley.
