All-female NICU team performs double emergency transfer

Published March 27, 2024
By Airman 1st Class Luis E Rios Calderon
18th Wing Public Affairs

KADENA AIR BASE, Japan. --

In an important display of knowledge, coordination and dedication, an all-female team of neonatal intensive care unit and aeromedical evacuation Airmen successfully executed a double transport of Critical infants.

The team consisted of a neonatologist, two nurses and a medical technician that was originally assembled for the transport of a single patient from Guam to Hawaii, only for their mission to take an unexpected turn when they received a call of another infant - one sicker than the first, that required more urgent care.

Despite logistical challenges due to the unavailability of another neonatal transport system at the time, the team was able to quickly mobilize and find a solution to the dilemma, securing additional medical equipment before taking off and coordinating with ground crews for an aircraft exchange to ensure the safety of the patients on the aircraft.

airmen sit on top of a transporter moving equipment — All-female NICU team performs double emergency transfer

Airmen assigned to the 18th Medical Group neonatal intensive care unit, off-load a neonatal transport incubator with the assistance of a K-loader at Kadena Air Base, Japan, March 9, 2024. A NICU nurse’s responsibilities include administering care to newborn infants residing in the NICU, running various medical tests and providing support to families as needed. (Courtesy photo)

airmen look at vital equipment — All-female NICU team performs double emergency transfer

Airmen assigned to the 18th Medical Group neonatal intensive care unit, monitor the vitals of an infant over the Pacific Ocean, March 8, 2024. NICU nurses are on-call 24 hours a day to monitor and maintain the well-being of seriously ill or premature newborns. (Courtesy photo)

airmen take care of an infant inside of a plane — All-female NICU team performs double emergency transfer

Airmen assigned to the 18th Medical Group neonatal intensive care unit, perform night time in-flight vitals checks on an infant over the Pacific Ocean, March 8, 2024. NICU nurses are on-call 24 hours a day to monitor and maintain the well-being of seriously ill or premature newborns. (Courtesy photo)

With no time to spare, the NICU team departed from Guam to Hawaii with their first patient, safely transporting them to their destination, and departing on their aircraft back to Guam where their second patient was waiting, needing more care from the team, but in the end was safely transported to the U.S. Naval Hospital Okinawa’s NICU.

“This job can be incredibly tough and exhausting,” said Dr. Katie Carlin, USNHO medical director and neonatologist.” But then there are weeks like this, where it is all worth it.”

The team's efforts didn’t go unnoticed as they received heartfelt praise from the families they served, reaffirming their impact on those they cared for.

The successful double transport exemplifies the resilience and professionalism exhibited by the women in service and serves as a testament of their invaluable contributions in the Indo-Pacific theater.

“I couldn’t have been prouder to have this amazing team to complete two wildly worthwhile missions! Shout out to all my ladies rocking a double mission and smiling through the tough, long hours to give our families the best possible care.” Maj. Amy Carlisle, clinical nurse expert and NICU registered nurse.