Texas Childrens, January 12, 2026 - Texas Children’s Hospital has announced the launch of its latest Kangaroo Crew HEMS operation in Austin, expanding critical paediatric and neonatal transport services for children and families across Central Texas.
With the addition of the Austin helicopter, Texas Children’s now operates two Kangaroo Crew helicopters in a coordinated transport network that also includes ground and fixed-wing capabilities serving all four campuses.
The helicopter programme was first launched in February 2025 at Texas Children’s in Houston and has already carried hundreds of seriously ill patients by air throughout the system.
The new service makes Texas Children’s the first paediatric hospital system to operate its own helicopter in Austin, which it says means it can deliver rapid paediatric care to patients up 120 nautical miles from Austin.
Dr Jeffrey Shilt, President of Austin and Central Texas, Texas Children’s,said “With the launch of our Kangaroo Crew helicopter in Austin, we are expanding access to life-saving paediatric and neonatal care for families throughout Central Texas and West Texas. This investment reflects our commitment to bringing the highest level of specialized care closer to families, reducing distance as a barrier when every minute matters.”
The Kangaroo Crew helicopters are operated by PHI Air Medical with highly trained clinicians who deliver ICU-level care during transport, serving as an aerial extension of Texas Children’s critical care teams.
Paul Julander, Co-President of PHI Air Medical, said “Opening a second base with Texas Children’s Hospital in the Central Texas region brings specialised care closer to families in the region. This important step ensures that when emergencies arise, help is more accessible than ever before, allowing children to receive timely, effective medical attention.”
With the addition of the Austin helicopter, Texas Children’s now operates two Kangaroo Crew helicopters in a coordinated transport network that also includes ground and fixed-wing capabilities serving all four campuses.
The helicopter programme was first launched in February 2025 at Texas Children’s in Houston and has already carried hundreds of seriously ill patients by air throughout the system.
The new service makes Texas Children’s the first paediatric hospital system to operate its own helicopter in Austin, which it says means it can deliver rapid paediatric care to patients up 120 nautical miles from Austin.
Dr Jeffrey Shilt, President of Austin and Central Texas, Texas Children’s,said “With the launch of our Kangaroo Crew helicopter in Austin, we are expanding access to life-saving paediatric and neonatal care for families throughout Central Texas and West Texas. This investment reflects our commitment to bringing the highest level of specialized care closer to families, reducing distance as a barrier when every minute matters.”
The Kangaroo Crew helicopters are operated by PHI Air Medical with highly trained clinicians who deliver ICU-level care during transport, serving as an aerial extension of Texas Children’s critical care teams.
Paul Julander, Co-President of PHI Air Medical, said “Opening a second base with Texas Children’s Hospital in the Central Texas region brings specialised care closer to families in the region. This important step ensures that when emergencies arise, help is more accessible than ever before, allowing children to receive timely, effective medical attention.”
407 N434PH ( PHI Inc )
See also |
PHI Air Medical PHI Inc 
Air Medical Ambulance Services 407 in
PHI Inc 
