A pioneer in pediatric medical transportation, we have provided specialized transport for critically ill and injured children for more than 30 years. As initial requests for such services increased, a formal inter-facility pediatric transport program evolved into what is now known as Pedi-Flite.   Pedi-Flite uses the pilots and helicopters of the Memphis Medical Center Air Ambulance Service - Hospital Wing, as well as our very own specially equipped ground ambulance.

Our specialized team brings many of the therapeutic capabilities of the Intensive Care Unit directly to our patient by air or ground to provide the highest quality of care both before and during transportation.

We take the time needed to stabilize each child with a sophisticated level of customized pediatric care that continues during transport. No other transport service in the Mid-South offers such specialized care for children. 

While Pedi-Flite primarily transports our patients back to our medical center, there are instances were Pedi-Flite would transport critically ill patients to other facilities within the continental United States for specialized treatments such as burn care.

The Pedi-Flite team is made up of pediatric and neonatal critical care nurses, pediatric and neonatal respiratory therapists, emergency medical technitians, as well as intensive care physicians when needed. And we are on standby 24 hours a day, ready to travel to any area hospital within a 150-mile radius of Le Bonheur.

All Pedi-Flite team members are trained in advanced life support techniques, and hold additional credentials beyond those of their critical care peers.

Specialized Transport Equipment

Pedi-Flite is setup to transport neonatal patients in a transport isolette for thermoregulation, equipped with the ability to provide both conventional and high frequency ventilation, as well as the ability to administer nitric oxide if necessary. 

We come to the referring facility prepared with pharmaceuticals, airway management equipment, the ability to perform arterial and capillary blood gases, trauma immobilization equipment, and other specialized pediatric and neonatal supplies necessary to ensure the highest quality of care for our patients during transport.

Requesting a Transport

To request a transport, please call 1-888-899-9355.  When you call, please be prepared to provide basic patient demographic information as well as information pertaining to the patient's medical condition.  A member of the ICU staff with answer your call and will be prepared to take your information, dispatch the transport team, and provide any guidance that may be needed in caring for the patient until the Pedi-Flite arrives. 

Pedi-Flite is able to respond to transport requests either by air or ground.  The transport mode decision will be made based on the patient's condition, weather, and distance.  The Pedi-Flite transport team will notify the referring facility of the mode of transport and the estimated time of arrival as soon as possible after activation. 

When to Call

Please feel free to call the Pedi-Flite toll free number anytime you have a pediatric or neonatal patient that may need transport to Le Bonheur, a patient where you feel critical care consultation is needed, or to check on the status of a transport that has already been activated.  The Le Bonheur staff is always happy to assist you with any needs that you may have.