Community hospitals and EMS providers may not have pediatric specialists readily available – especially for infants and children with medically complex conditions that require advanced monitoring, ventilation or ongoing therapies. In many cases, a child may need to be transferred to another facility, and that can delay or interrupt critical treatment if not handled by a specialized pediatric team.

That’s when you need Phoenix Children’s Critical Care Transport Services.

Phoenix Children’s Critical Care Transport Services is the only hospital-based pediatric critical care transport program in Arizona. We offer advanced transport care in partnership with Maricopa Ambulance. Together, we provide 24/7 primary ground ambulance transport for pediatric patients from birth through age 18. Much like a “rolling ICU,” our experts deliver seamless, hospital-level care from the moment our team arrives.

Emergency transport is not just a ride to the hospital -it’s an extension of your child’s critical care. Our team assesses your child, stabilizes their condition and begins treatment using Phoenix Children’s evidence-based care pathways. That care continues seamlessly throughout transport, without interruption.

This seamless coverage means no gaps in treatment and no delays in care. Your child doesn't have to wait until arrival to begin critical therapies.

Who We Transport

Phoenix Children’s Critical Care Transport Services provides safe, specialized transport for pediatric patients of all ages, from newborns to young adults through age 18, who need specialized care and support while moving between facilities.

Our team also provides:

  • Transfers from community hospitals, freestanding emergency departments or Phoenix Children’s facilities.
  • Transport services for select older patients with established relationships at Phoenix Children’s.

What Sets Us Apart?

  • Arizona’s only hospital-based pediatric critical care transport program: Phoenix Children’s offers the state’s only hospital-based program dedicated to pediatric critical care transport. Our team brings ICU-level pediatric care to your child’s bedside and continues that care seamlessly through transport.
  • Highly trained, highly credentialed team: All team members have at least two years of pediatric specialty experience and maintain critical life-support credentials, ensuring your child gets the right care at the right time in the right place.
  • Appropriately sized equipment for pediatric patients: Equipment and supplies are pediatric-specific, improving fit, comfort and treatment effectiveness for infants and children of all ages and sizes.
  • Seamless care from bedside to bedside: We bring ICU-level services directly to your child and continue providing care – without interruption – throughout the entire transport process.

Frequently Asked Questions

Once our team arrives, we will assess your child, explain what’s happening and begin care immediately. We closely monitor your child throughout the transport process and provide treatment at every step.

In many situations, one parent or guardian may be able to ride along during transport, depending on your child’s condition, applicable safety considerations and available space. Our team will help you understand your options when arranging transport.

Yes. All treatment and monitoring continue without interruption throughout the transport process.

All our equipment is designed and sized specifically to meet the unique needs of our pediatric patients. Everything we use, whether it’s breathing equipment, monitors or safety devices, fits correctly for safe, effective care.

Your child will be transported to the Phoenix Children’s campus best equipped to meet their medical needs, including the Thomas Campus or Arrowhead Campus. Phoenix Children’s Critical Care Transport Team coordinates closely with the receiving care team to ensure they are ready upon arrival.

Many children transported by our team are critically ill. Our pediatric specialists are trained to manage complex conditions and respond quickly to any changes in your child’s condition that occur during transport. If your child needs specialized therapies, such as phototherapy, those treatments can continue during transport.

You can feel confident knowing your child is receiving the highest level of pediatric care available in the state.

Response times vary based on location and availability. Because our team is pediatric-focused, we can often respond quickly when urgent transport is needed. The team focuses on safety, stability and timely arrival.