AWARD-WINNING TRAINING SINCE 1995
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The Arkansas Children's Hospital (ACH) Transport Services were called upon to help evacuate patients preceding both Hurricane Katrina last month and then again with Rita. The ACH transport unit is supported in part by a $1.5 million endowment established through Arkansas’ Log A Load For Kids program.

With the predicted path of Hurricane Rita and looming possible destruction, hospitals in Texas decided to transport their patients to safer locations. The ACH helicopter evacuated triaged pediatric and neonatal patients from Driscoll Children’s Hospital in Corpus Christi, Texas. Angel One Transport then flew patients from the hospital to a central location at the Corpus Christi airport where fixed-wing aircraft transported them to other hospitals in Texas. ACH team members, Rex Curry, helicopter pilot, Ron Vandell, chief helicopter pilot, Joe Hand, R.N., Daniel Szopinski, registered respiratory therapist, Robert Williams, M.D. and Stan Shepherd, helicopter mechanic were all on the flight to Texas and helped evacuate patients for two days.

Two fixed-wing aircrafts operated by Arkansas Children's Hospital also helped transport patients to area hospitals within Texas until those hospitals feel it is necessary to utilize other healthcare facilities. Members of the transport team included Cindy Covert, R.N., David Shaffer, registered respiratory therapist, Dawne Sokora, R.N., Paige Keen, R.N. and Tim Stubbs, registered respiratory therapist.

“Our transport services once again are needed to help evacuate pediatric patients in a compromised situation. We are working to get these patients to other facilities and will help provide the necessary support for these patients before and after the storm,� said Jonathan Bates, M.D., president and CEO of Arkansas Children’s Hospital.
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