In a groundbreaking collaboration, AlphaOne Ambulance and Dignity Health Mercy San Juan Medical Center have unveiled a state-of-the-art ambulance dedicated to transporting babies born prematurely across Sacramento and surrounding areas to Mercy San Juan’s Level III NICU. This innovative initiative, nearly a year in the making, addresses a crucial need in neonatal care, as very few ambulances are equipped with the specialized technology required for safely transporting NICU babies.

The custom-designed ambulance is a mobile extension of Mercy San Juan’s advanced birthing facility, ensuring seamless, high-quality care during transport. Every minute is critical for premature infants and this new service significantly reduces the time it takes to transfer these vulnerable patients.

Tom Arjil, CEO of AlphaOne, expresses his pride in the project, stating, “To be able to provide life-saving tools and teams for these babies and their families who are going through an extremely vulnerable and frightening time makes us all so proud. It’s really what the work is all about.”

Mercy San Juan recently completed a $35 million expansion of its NICU, named after generous donors Dr. Robert S. and Star Pepper. The Robert S. and Star Pepper NICU is 15 times larger and has an increased capacity of 40 beds. From offering a sterile nutrition room for preparing milk and formula for babies with delicate immune systems to offering rooming in as an option for a parent to stay at the bedside 24/7, Mercy San Juan’s commitment to excellence in neonatal care is unmatched. Combined with AlphaOne’s expertise in emergency medical services, this partnership ensures that premature infants receive the highest standard of care.

“To be able to provide life-saving tools and teams for these babies and their families who are going through an extremely vulnerable and frightening time makes us all so proud. It’s really what the work is all about.”— Tom Arjil, CEO, AlphaOne Ambulance

For families facing the challenges of premature birth, this dedicated NICU ambulance service offers hope and reassurance. It represents a significant step forward in neonatal care, potentially making the difference between life and death for the tiniest and most vulnerable patients.

This inspiring collaboration between Mercy San Juan and AlphaOne Ambulance demonstrates the power of innovation and partnership in health care. By focusing on the critical needs of premature infants and their families, this service will undoubtedly save lives and provide comfort during the most challenging of times.