Season 2: Episode 12
Hope and Will: A Parenting Podcast from Children's Healthcare of Atlanta
Special Episode: Inside Our Helicopters and Ambulances
When a Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta helicopter flies overhead or a Children’s ambulance zooms past you, you know a child is in need of lifesaving care. Most of us are lucky enough to not know what it’s like on the other side of those doors. For those who have experienced being a passenger inside a Children’s transport vehicle, you know it’s a world where time stands still.
If you've ever wondered what it's like to be a crew member in one of our helicopters or ambulances, what happens behind the scenes after a call comes in, or what transpires after a transport vehicle arrives at one of our hospitals, this episode will answer all of those questions and more.
On this special edition of Hope and Will, we’re joined by three members of the Children’s transport and trauma teams–Julie Espinosa, Krystal Harper and Rana Roberts–who share fascinating insight into what it takes to be ready to transport critically ill and injured kids every day of the year. We’re also joined by Dr. Jing Jing Wong Harris and Dr. Kevin Washington whose son was thrust into their care after suffering a head injury while riding an electric scooter. Together, the parents discuss their gripping experience from the back of a Children’s ambulance to critical moments in a trauma bay.
Dr. Jing Jing Wong Harris and Dr. Kevin Washington, Kai’s Parents
The Washington family’s world turned upside down when a neighborhood ride on an electric scooter resulted in a traumatic brain injury for then-6-year-old Kai. As experienced emergency medicine physicians, the doting parents found themselves in the unusual—and very challenging—position of straddling the worlds of hopeful patient family and informed clinicians. They share raw details of their experience, from riding in the back of a Children’s ambulance to watching our teams work their magic in from the emergency department to the PICU to the CIRU.
Rana Roberts, RN, Director, Children’s Transport and Trauma
Rana oversees our transport, trauma and transfer center teams, as well as the very busy call center that manages the dispatching of our emergency transport fleet. Having started her career at Children’s as a bedside nurse, Rana delights in opportunities to shine a light on the life-saving work carried out by her teams—and we’re proud that this episode does just that!
Julie Espinosa, RN, Pediatric Critical Care Transport – Ground
Julie was born in the U.S. Virgin Islands, where she worked as a paramedic for 13 years. Upon moving to Georgia, she set a career goal of working at Children’s. Julie fulfilled that dream in 2017 and feels fortunate to connect families to the depth of resources offered by our transport teams. At home, she’s the proud mom to a son who’s active in the Marine Corps and loves spending time with her granddaughter.
Krystal Harper, RN, Trauma
As a trauma nurse, Krystal brings 14 years of experience caring for kids who have suffered traumatic injuries, from motor vehicle accidents to bicycle impalements to falls from balconies. In her unique role, she helps ensure trauma patients receive seamless care, whether that’s in the emergency department, PICU or other patient care floors, from admission through discharge. At home, she’s a proud wife and mom to two young men.
Lynn Smith
Lynn Smith is a veteran journalist, podcast host and mom of two boys. Her experience as the parent of a patient at Children’s inspired her to advocate for spreading awareness of childhood illnesses and injuries.
