AirMed is planning completion of phase two of its new neonatal transfer service by the end of 2011. Jane Topliss, bdm, says the service, called AM AirBorn, started in earnest when neonatal medical director Dr Charlotte Bennett joined the team in 2010.

She explains: "This large investment in state-of-the-art equipment and specialist personnel allows us to support the assistance industry and neonatal hospital units throughout the world, giving their clients access to a consultant-led, fully integrated neonatal transfer and retrieval service."

The decision was taken after lengthy consultations with assistance companies, consultant neonatal intensivists and parent support groups.

Topliss says: "A team of nurses and doctors, already experienced in land-based transfers, have completed a rigorous and bespoke aeromedical training course. The service provides rapid access to specialist advice on clinical safety, family support and strategic planning, allowing safe transfers to be pre-planned and carried out during the ideal window of opportunity."

AirMed says it has invested more than £250,000 (US$400,000) in high-tech medical equipment and the provision of comprehensive training for its neonatal aeromedical staff to complete the implemen-tation process.

The equipment, which has been designed and purchased by AirMed, is fully compatible, not only on its Learjet 35A and Piper Cheyenne IIIA fleets, but also with the UK HEMS EC135s and road ambulances. Topliss says: "This allows incredible flexibility and versatility when carrying out transfers either between the specialist UK hospital units or between units on a more global scale."

The system currently in use following completion of phase one includes a Babypod II, babyPAC ventilators, Propac monitors and Braun infusion pumps in addition to the existing intensive care equipment currently operated by AirMed.

"The Babypod provides a warm and secure environment for babies and protects them from the physiological disturbance arising from vibration, sound interference and thermal challenges," Topliss explains. "The medical team are able to continually monitor the baby's vital signs and can provide intravenous infusions and respiratory support if required."

Development of the AM AirBorn service is ongoing and AirMed is planning completion of phase 2 by the end of 2011. Topliss says: "This will lead to a further expansion in capabilities and will see the addition of a Drager incubator, a custom-built trolley and lift system currently being designed and built by Paraid. PrinterNoX inhaled nitric oxide delivery will also be added. Not only will this enable AM AirBorn to carry out transfers of the most critically ill neonates, but the additional system will also allow twins to be transferred together."

Dr Bennett is a consultant neonatologist at the Oxford Radcliffe Hospitals NHS Trust. She says her experience with the Thames Valley Neonatal Transfer Service since her appointment in 2001 has provided an excellent platform from which to set up AM AirBorn.

Topliss says: "To ensure a complete service with back-up consultant provision, Dr Bennett is supported by Dr Julian Eason, a fellow consultant neonatologist who is currently service line director for the neonatal department at Plymouth Hospitals NHS Trust."

Dr Eason says he has considerable experience of aeromedical transfers from his Canadian fellowship post with the infant transport team based in Vancouver and subsequent experience in the Channel Islands.