When a child needs emergency transport to a children's hospital, families are often facing one of the hardest moments of their lives. Behind every ambulance ride, helicopter flight, or plane transfer is a highly trained team working together to keep children safe, while also supporting parents through the unknown.

In this episode of Inside the Children's Hospital, Katie Taylor sits down with Kami Stone, Assistant Clinical Director at Texas Children's Hospital Austin, and Jacob, a transport EMT with the Texas Children's Kangaroo Crew, to talk about what pediatric transport really looks like behind the scenes.

Together, they share:

• What happens when a pediatric transport team arrives

• The roles of EMTs, nurses, respiratory therapists, and physicians during transport

• How transport teams prepare for weather, traffic, logistics, and emergencies

• Why Texas Children's prioritizes family-centered care during transport

• What parents can expect during ambulance, helicopter, and plane transports

• How simulation training prepares teams for high-stress situations

• The emotional realities of caring for critically ill children and supporting families in crisis

• Why is asking questions during transport always encouraged

• The small moments of human connection that families never forget

Jacob also shares his personal story of being treated at Texas Children's as a child after being diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes — and how that experience inspired him to dedicate his career to pediatric transport care.

This conversation offers a rare look into the people and systems families depend on during medical emergencies, while reminding parents that they are never alone during the journey.

Kami Stone is the Assistant Clinical Director overseeing the Emergency Center, trauma program, and transport team at Texas Children's Hospital in Austin, Texas. With a background in emergency nursing and healthcare leadership, Kami is passionate about building systems that improve both patient outcomes and family experiences during transport care.

Jacob is a pediatric transport EMT with the Texas Children's Kangaroo Crew. After receiving care at Texas Children's as a teenager following his Type 1 diabetes diagnosis, he knew he wanted to one day work for the organization that supported his family during such a difficult time.

• Learn more about Texas Children's Austin: https://www.texaschildrens.org/austin

• Learn more about Inside the Children's Hospital: https://insidethechildrenshospital.com

• Instagram: @insidethechildrenshospital and @childlifeoncall

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For many families, going home from the hospital feels like the finish line. But what happens when the emotional impact of a medical experience lingers long after discharge?

On this episode of Inside the Children's Hospital, Katie Taylor sits down with Jen Aspengren, founder of Alongside Network, to discuss pediatric medical traumatic stress (PMTS), a common yet often overlooked experience that affects children, parents, siblings, and caregivers following serious medical events.

Jen shares her family's journey after her infant son underwent life-saving airway surgery at just seven months old. While his physical recovery went well, the emotional effects lasted for years, leading Jen to discover a significant gap in support for families navigating life after hospitalization.

Together, Katie and Jen explore:

• Jen's son's diagnosis of congenital subglottic stenosis and emergency airway surgery

• The unexpected emotional toll that followed after returning home

• What pediatric medical traumatic stress (PMTS) is and how it affects the entire family

• Common signs of traumatic stress in children, parents, and caregivers

• Why many families feel isolated after discharge despite receiving excellent medical care

• The importance of validation, community, and coping skills during recovery

• How small moments of connection from healthcare providers can build trust and resilience

• The impact of emotional support on long-term health outcomes and medical adherence

• How Alongside Network is helping families and healthcare providers better navigate medical trauma

Jen also shares practical insights for healthcare professionals, highlighting how simple actions—such as a follow-up phone call or a few moments of acknowledgment—can make a lasting difference for families facing difficult diagnoses and hospitalizations.

This conversation is a powerful reminder that healing doesn't end when a child leaves the hospital. Supporting the emotional well-being of children, parents, and caregivers is an essential part of recovery.

Jen Aspengren is the founder of Alongside Network, a nonprofit organization dedicated to helping families and healthcare providers address pediatric medical traumatic stress. Prior to founding Alongside, Jen spent over 20 years working in systems-change initiatives and supporting social entrepreneurs around the world. Today, she combines her professional expertise with her lived experience as a healthcare parent to improve support systems for families navigating medical challenges.

Alongside Network works to ensure that families affected by pediatric illness, injury, and hospitalization have access to the emotional support they need during and after medical experiences.

One of their core offerings is a free six-week virtual well-being program for parents and caregivers based on the evidence-based Take a Breath curriculum developed at the Royal Children's Hospital in Melbourne, Australia. The program focuses on:

• Validation of family experiences

• Building supportive community connections

• Developing coping and resilience skills

• Learn more about Alongside Network: https://www.alongsidenetwork.org

• Instagram: @childlifeoncall + @insidethechildrenshospital

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Medical information shared in this episode is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Please consult your care team for guidance specific to your child and family.

Pediatric Medical Traumatic Stress, Medical Trauma, Medical Parenting, Child Life Specialist, Family-Centered Care, Pediatric Mental Health, Caregiver Support, Pediatric Hospitalization, Trauma-Informed Care, Family Resilience