Honoring a Lifesaving Milestone: Thompson Truck Group Celebrates New Pediatric Transport Vehicles for Children's Hospital at Erlanger

July 1, 2025

CHATTANOOGA, TN – The Thompson Truck Group team was honored to take part in the recent unveiling of two state-of-the-art neonatal and pediatric transport vehicles at Children's Hospital at Erlanger, marking a landmark achievement for child healthcare in the region. These mobile intensive care units built on International MV Series chassis', are not only the first of their kind in the state, but will provide world-class, immediate, life-saving care within a 150-mile radius of Chattanooga, reaching children in Tennessee, Alabama, Georgia and North Carolina, 

Equipped with the same advanced technology found in a neonatal intensive care units (NICUs) and pediatric intensive care units (PICUs), these new transport vehicles represent a significant leap forward in pediatric emergency medicine. Essentially acting as mobile ICUs, they ensure that the highest level of medical intervention and monitoring the moment the transport team reaches a child in need.

A particularly noteworthy and compassionate feature of these new vehicles is the ability for a parent to accompany their child during transport. This thoughtful design element will provide invaluable comfort and a reassuring presence for families during what is often a frightening and stressful time.

It was deeply moving to participate in the launch of these vehicles, knowing that years of planning will culminate in a significant and lasting impact for children and families in our community. Thompson Truck Group is honored to play a role in a community that so passionately supports its children's hospital and the young patients it serves. These new neonatal and pediatric transport vehicles are more than just ambulances; they are beacons of hope, promising that the best possible care is on its way for the region's most vulnerable children. This initiative stands as a powerful testament to what can be accomplished when a community comes together to support a vital cause.

More on the new mobile intensive care units, courtesy of Children's Hospital at Erlanger:

When every minute matters

Children are not just small adults. In emergencies, children need care fast to meet their unique needs. These neonatal and pediatric ICUs on wheels deliver life-saving care the moment the transport team arrives.

Bringing the Hospital to you – The Critical Care Transport Vehicles are custom-built for infants and children, equipped with:

• Advanced respiratory support (including CPAP, BIPAP, standard ventilators, high frequency ventilators, and inhaled nitric oxide)
• Therapeutic Hypothermia for hypoxic brain injury
• Arterial and intravenous line placement and monitoring
• Onboard bloodwork, lifesaving medications and continuous drips
• Customized infant isolettes for fragile newborns
• Real-time monitoring and interventions just like in a NICU or PICU

Keeping families close – with approval of the sending physician, parents can ride in a separate, safe crew cab, staying close while their child receives expert care

Expert Pediatric Team

Each transport includes a highly trained team:

• Pediatric Registered Nurse (RN)
• Pediatric Respiratory Therapist (RT)
• May include a Neonatologist or Critical Care Nurse Practitioner

Why It Matters

• Care begins onsite BEFORE reaching the hospital - Anytime, Anywhere
• Decreased care wait times
• Serves children in TN, AL, GA and NC
• Delivers the same level of care found in a neonatal or pediatric ICU

About the Design:

Transforming an intimidating, clinical space into a child-friendly environment

A calming, reassuring environment for young patients, using friendly animals and lush greenery to reduce fear and anxiety during transport

Goals:

1. Reduce fear and anxiety
2. Foster comfort and reassurance
3. Enhance community awareness and outreach

To learn more about Children's Hospital at Erlanger, visit: https://www.childrensaterlanger.org/