Niki Shimko, nurse manager of the Golisano Transport Team and president of the Florida Neonatal Pediatric Transport Network Association, recounts the harrowing experience of evacuating Golisano Children’s Hospital during Hurricane Ian. Despite the lack of preparedness leading up to the hurricane, Nikki’s team successfully evacuated 81 patients, including 62 neonates, over 160 miles to 15 facilities. The collaborative effort and preexisting networks proved invaluable in ensuring the safety and well-being of the patients, highlighting the importance of planning and relationships in disaster preparedness.
For more resources about cyclonic storms, intensive care units, neonatal, transportation of patients, and community networks, check out PPN Resource Central, an expertly curated database of thousands of resources related to giving care to children — every day and in crises.