Riverside Community Hospital completed intensive training last week for its Neonatal Transport Team, preparing staff to provide critical care to newborns requiring emergency transport throughout the Inland Empire.
The two-day training on Oct. 7-8 involved 24 caregivers and included transport simulations, mock code scenarios and expert instruction focused on the most critical moments of newborn care.
"Neonatal transport demands precision, consistency and calm under pressure," said Jesse Roque, chief nursing officer at Riverside Community Hospital. "Every training prepares us to deliver critical care from the first second – ensuring fragile newborns have the safest journey possible to the advanced support they need."
The hospital's neonatal transport team consists of neonatologists, registered nurses and respiratory therapists who respond to emergencies 24/7. The team uses a specialized ambulance operated in partnership with AMR that remains on standby exclusively for neonatal transports.
Unlike standard ambulances, the dedicated vehicle allows the hospital's neonatal team to deploy immediately alongside ambulance personnel, bringing advanced neonatal expertise directly to patients.
"Our neonatal transport team is second to none," said Kelsey Velasco, assistant chief nursing officer. "This training reflects our commitment to ensuring every newborn, no matter where their journey begins, receives the highest quality care."
Riverside Community Hospital operates a Level III Neonatal Intensive Care Unit that provides comprehensive care around the clock. Level III NICUs offer the highest level of neonatal care, treating critically ill newborns and premature infants with advanced monitoring systems and specialized staff available 24/7. The facility regularly receives infants transferred by ground or air from across the region.
The NICU's multidisciplinary team includes neonatologists, nurse practitioners, nurses, case managers, respiratory therapists, physical therapists, registered dietitians, lactation consultants and medical social workers.
Founded in 1901, Riverside Community Hospital is a 542-bed acute care facility and HCA Healthcare affiliate. The hospital operates the county's largest emergency room and Level I Trauma Center with 82 beds.
