Intensive Care units on wheels
We use specialist ambulances
To ensure we can meet the needs of our neonatal patients, the team use specialist Critical Care ambulances, which are bigger than the normal ambulances you would see if you called 999.
The layout and equipment carried is all focused around neonates, and being able to safely care for them when traveling between hospitals.
Four seats in the saloon
To allow for more of our clinical staff to travel with your baby when needed, and to make space for a parent when it’s possible to do so
Enhanced power system
The incubators have battery power built into them, but we make sure to keep this fully charged by plugging-in to the ambulance power
Medical gasses
Our ambulances carry enough compressed medical gasses to keep ventilators supplied with Oxygen and Medical Air for very long journeys
Climate control
In addition to the heating abilities of the incubator, the team are able to quickly adjust the heating and cooling in the ambulance saloon
Photo Gallery
Take a look at these pictures to see what the inside of our ambulances look like
Our ambulance crews are skilled and committed professionals who specialise in working with babies and children
We use dedicated ambulance crews from St John Ambulance to support our teams and make sure we get to where we need to be safely.
The ambulance crews are highly trained advanced drivers, with plenty of experience driving ambulances in a range of environments and conditions.
Using dedicated crews means that we have the same regular staff, helping us to achieve better teamworking and integration.
Frequently Asked Questions
When it comes to travelling in the ambulance we usually get the same questions from different parents. Take a look below and the usual questions we get asked and their answers. You can also find out more about travelling in the ambulance with your baby by scrolling to the bottom of this page and downloading our information leaflet.
If you can’t find the answer to your question you can ask the staff at the unit your baby is on, or ask our team when we arrive to move your baby.
Can I travel in the ambulance with my baby?
We do our best to offer one parent (or carer) the option to travel in the ambulance with their baby for outpatient appointments, repatriations back to hospitals closer to home, and some urgent transfers (but this depends on how unwell your baby is). The final decision about you travelling with us is at the discretion of our team.
Can both parents travel in the ambulance?
Due to seating and space restrictions in our ambulances we’re only able to take one person, and only one small piece of luggage. This is to make sure everyone stays safe. Everyone, including you and our team, needs to remain seated and keep their seatbelts on while the ambulance is moving.
Why was I told that I can’t travel in the ambulance?
Unfortunately, sometimes it’s not possible for you to come with us in the ambulance. This could be because you haven’t been discharged from the hospital yet, or because your baby is so unwell that it requires intensive care during the journey. It might even be because we’ve had to bring additional members of our team with us to ensure we can provide the best possible care, so there wouldn’t be any space for you in the ambulance.
In these cases we will make sure that we update you on everything before we leave, and take your contact details so that we can ring you when we arrive at the receiving hospital and update you on the journey.
What happens if I can’t come with my baby because I haven’t been discharged yet?
If you are not travelling with us because you are not well enough and are still an inpatient, the unit looking after you will make arrangements for you to be transferred to the same hospital as your baby as soon as they can. While you’re waiting for this you’ll be kept fully up-to-date with your baby’s progress at the new unit.
In these cases we will make sure that we update you on everything before we leave, and take your contact details so that we can ring you when we arrive at the receiving hospital and update you on the journey.
Can I just follow the ambulance?
If you are not travelling with us, please do not attempt to follow the ambulance. We understand that this is a stressful time and you may be worried about your baby, but attempting to follow our ambulances can put you at risk.
Our Emergency Ambulance Crews are highly trained advanced drivers who are able to use blue lights and sirens to make progress through traffic if we need to. If you attempt to keep up with our ambulances we may be forced to stop making progress in order to keep you, us, and other road users safe.
The transport team arrived, but haven’t taken my baby, why?
Our priority is the safe transfer of your baby. When we arrive at the unit to collect your baby we always get a full handover from the team and complete a comprehensive assessment. At this point we’ll decide if your baby is fit to travel.
Very occasionally we will decide that it is not safe or appropriate to transport your baby at this time. Should this happen we will make sure you are provided with a detailed explanation and get the chance to ask any questions you may have. We’ll also make a plan with the unit for potentially transferring your baby at a later date.
Download the parents information leaflet to find out more
We have a comprehensive leaflet that you can download and read through to find out more about the process of transferring your baby between hospitals and you travelling with us
