Wheels that Heal: El Paso Children’s Hospital Adds New Lifesaving Vehicles

Story and photos by Annabella Mireles 

El Paso Children’s Hospital revealed its newest additions, the Pediatric Mobile Clinic and the “Jet” ambulance, during its media day Dec. 5 at the El Paso Children’s Multispecialty Center. With the addition of the Pediatric Mobile Clinic, the hospital hopes to reach patients in rural areas, as well as student athletes who may not have access to preventive screenings. 

The hospital received $595,000 to purchase and equip the clinic through federal funding secured with the support of Rep. Veronica Escobar, who attended the event. The mobile unit is equipped with exam rooms and equipment used for screenings that the hospital says will expand its partnerships with school districts in the region, as well as community centers, churches, and other community organizations.

“We needed these types of resources to be able to get out to the areas where perhaps children and parents are not able to come into the community because of the hardships of driving and transportation,” Cindy Stout, president and CEO, said. The hospital also hopes to educate the community, especially athletes and their families, on the risk of cardiac death. During its two-week soft launch, pediatric cardiologists traveled to the Faben’s area to perform cardiology screenings for current and future athletes. 

“Although you may not hear it in the media, there are sudden cardiac deaths that occur when athletes are on the field,” Stout said. “Part of our mission is to move forward and educate the community, so they have the resources they may need.” 

The hospital’s “Rocket” ambulance, in service since 2012, which has transported more than 4,700 patients in the last five years, including a 30% increase just this past year, now has a faster new companion vehicle. “The Jet is a game changer as well because it is a dual cab, so instead of parents having to drive behind the ambulance, they’re able to ride inside the ambulance to be closer to their child,” she said. 

Escobar shared her excitement about the new vehicles and the changes this will bring to the community. “When we invest in healthcare, healthcare institutions and provide communities with the funding that they need to help those in need, it’s not just the morally correct thing to do; it’s good financially. It means an investment in jobs that would not normally exist,” Escobar said. 

Escobar also spoke on the work still needed in order for more changes to happen for expanding healthcare in the region. “When a group of us women were elected to Congress in 2018, the largest freshman class of women, we met with our Speaker of the House and talked to her about the need to bring earmarks back with reforms, ensuring there was no room for corruption or self-dealing,” she said. “It can provide the funding needed to impact hundreds, if not thousands, of lives, and that’s precisely what this mobile unit will do.”

“The foundation, unfortunately, a lot more work for you all is on the horizon as the federal government begins to slowly and drastically cut off funds that help provide resources that our community needs, but we will work through it. We are a very resilient community. We know how to fight for what we need. We know how to take care of each other,” she said.

Jacob Cintron, president and CEO of the El Paso County Hospital District, expressed his gratitude toward Escobar and what the Jet ambulance and Pediatric Mobile Clinic will do for the community. “When you think about El Paso and all the things you do and the fight you fight for us every day, this is your legacy,” Cintron said to Escobar. “Whether it be a stroke unit or the ‘Rocket’ or ‘Jet,’ these are things that help us get care to people out in our community of all ages. We know there’s going to be challenges with the cuts that are coming up on our horizon, but know that to your mission and to your ethics, values, and goals, we as a district will continue providing care for our community.”

The event concluded with a ribbon-cutting ceremony, officially launching the two vehicles staffed by local heroes to the community, ready to deliver care to even the furthest corners of the region.