Texas Children’s Hospital has launched a new Kangaroo Crew medical helicopter in Austin, marking the first time a pediatric hospital system is operating its own helicopter in the city. The initiative aims to improve access to specialized pediatric and neonatal care for families across Central Texas and nearby regions.
The helicopter can reach up to 120 nautical miles, which allows faster transport of critically ill children to Texas Children’s facilities. Dr. Jeffrey Shilt, President of Austin and Central Texas at Texas Children’s, stated, “With the launch of our Kangaroo Crew helicopter in Austin, we are expanding access to life-saving pediatric 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 aircraft is equipped with advanced medical technology and staffed by clinicians capable of providing ICU-level care during transport. It operates as part of a broader network that now includes two helicopters, ground vehicles, and fixed-wing aircraft serving all four campuses within the hospital system. The program began in Houston in February 2025 and has since transported hundreds of patients.
Funding for this expansion was provided by donors such as the Texas Children’s Ambassadors group. Their support has enabled improvements in patient care delivery through innovation and operational efficiency initiatives targeting critical pediatric cases.
Ben Renberg, Chief Development Officer at Texas Children’s Office of Philanthropy, commented on donor contributions: “Philanthropy plays a vital role in helping Texas Children’s deliver life-saving care when time matters most. Through the support of our Ambassadors and other generous donors, we are able to invest in innovations like this helicopter that make an immediate, meaningful difference for families across Central Texas and beyond.”
PHI Air Medical operates the helicopters alongside Texas Children’s Hospital. Paul Julander, Co-President of PHI Air Medical said: “Opening a second base with Texas Children’s Hospital in the Central Texas region brings specialized 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.”
Texas Children’s Hospital is affiliated with Baylor College of Medicine and provides healthcare services through multiple facilities across Houston and Austin.
