Texas Children's has announced the launch of its latest Kangaroo Crew medical helicopter now in Austin, expanding critical pediatric and neonatal transport services for children and families across Central Texas and surrounding regions.  

As the first pediatric hospital system to operate its own helicopter in Austin, Texas Children’s is enhancing its ability to deliver world-class pediatric and neonatal care faster and closer to home. The aircraft reaches distances of up to 120 nautical miles, a milestone in enhancing rapid access to Texas Children’s specialized care teams. 

“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,” said Dr. Jeffrey Shilt, President of Austin and Central Texas, Texas Children’s. “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 Kangaroo Crew helicopter is equipped with advanced medical technology and staffed by highly trained clinicians who deliver ICU-level care during transport, serving as an aerial extension of Texas Children’s critical care teams.   

With the addition of the Austin helicopter, Texas Children’s now operates two Kangaroo Crew helicopters in a coordinated transport network that also includes ground and fixed-wing capabilities serving all four campuses. The helicopter program was first launched in February 2025 at Texas Children’s in Houston and has already carried hundreds of seriously ill patients by air throughout the system. 

The expansion of the Kangaroo Crew helicopter program was made possible through the generosity of Texas Children’s donors, including Texas Children’s Ambassadors — a dedicated group of philanthropic leaders whose contributions directly enhance patient care. This year, Ambassador funding supports the Kangaroo Crew medical transport team, advancing innovation, operational efficiency and community education efforts that help teams reach critically ill pediatric and neonatal patients faster.  

“Philanthropy plays a vital role in helping Texas Children’s deliver life-saving care when time matters most,” said Ben Renberg, Chief Development Officer of the Office of Philanthropy, Texas Children’s. “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.”  

The Kangaroo Crew helicopters are operated in partnership with PHI Air Medical, whose aviation and emergency medical transport expertise supports Texas Children’s mission to deliver specialized, life-saving care to children who need it most.  

“Opening a second base with Texas Children’s Hospital in the Central Texas region brings specialized care closer to families in the region,” said Paul Julander, Co-President of PHI Air Medical. “This important step ensures that when emergencies arise, help is more accessible than ever before, allowing children to receive timely, effective medical attention.”