Who typically leads a neonatal pediatric transport team?

The leader of a neonatal pediatric transport team is typically a specialized transport nurse. This is due to their extensive training in critical care and transport medicine, which equips them with the skills necessary to assess and manage the complexities of critically ill infants and children during transport. Transport nurses are adept at making quick clinical decisions under pressure, coordinating care with other healthcare professionals, and ensuring that all necessary medical equipment is functioning properly and available throughout the transport process.

While other professionals, such as pediatric surgeons or general practitioners, may contribute to the team, they usually focus on specific clinical interventions rather than the overall management and logistics of transport. A clinical psychologist, though valuable in addressing developmental and emotional needs, does not play a direct role in the technical and medical aspects of transport leadership. Thus, the specialized transport nurse is essential for the safe and effective transfer of neonatal and pediatric patients, leading to better outcomes in this critical area of healthcare.