What to Expect Before, During and After Your Child's Severe Lung Failure Center Treatment
At Cincinnati Children’s, we understand how frightening it can be when your child needs specialized care for a life-threatening lung condition. Our Severe Lung Failure Center team is here to support you and your family at every step, from the first consultation to traveling to our hospital and throughout your child’s treatment and recovery.
Before Coming to the Severe Lung Failure Center
After your child is referred to our center, our team works closely with you and your child’s current medical team to explain the treatment plan, discuss possible next steps and answer your questions. We want you to understand what to expect and to feel supported and confident in your child’s care.
Transporting Your Child to Cincinnati Children’s
Most children referred to our Severe Lung Failure Center are receiving care in a pediatric intensive care unit (PICU) at another hospital. If it's determined your child needs to come to Cincinnati Children’s for specialized treatment, we will coordinate with their current medical team to arrange safe transport.
Our Transport Team uses specially equipped ground ambulances, airplanes and helicopters to transport critically ill children. Each transport team includes a nurse and respiratory therapist. A physician may also join the team, depending on your child's needs.
For children who need ECMO during transport, the team includes an ICU physician trained in ECMO transport, along with two perfusionists or ECMO specialists, in addition to the nurse and respiratory therapist.
During transport, the team stays in direct communication with medical staff at Cincinnati Children’s so we can prepare for your child’s arrival and continue their care as smoothly as possible.
What to Expect During Treatment
Every child’s condition and treatment needs are different. Our multidisciplinary team will develop a care plan based on your child’s condition, previous treatments and response to care.
Throughout your child’s hospital stay, our specialists will monitor their progress, adjust treatments as needed and keep you informed about their care. We encourage you to ask questions and participate in discussions about your child’s treatment and recovery.
After Treatment
Your child’s next steps will depend on their condition and recovery.
When your child no longer needs intensive care, they will move to another area of the hospital where they can continue recovering before returning home. During this transition, you will remain an important part of your child’s care team.
We will work with you to plan for discharge, explain any care your child may need at home and help you prepare for the next stage of recovery.
