pediatric critical care
expert care for the most fragile patients
Dayton Children’s provides the region’s most advanced care for critically ill and injured children, delivered with compassion, expertise, and family-centered support.
At Dayton Children’s, our pediatric critical care specialists are here for children facing life-threatening illness, injury, or complex chronic conditions. We are the only hospital in the region staffed 24/7 by board-certified pediatric intensivists, working side by side with more than 50 pediatric subspecialists to deliver the highest level of care.
Children who require intensive treatment are admitted to our Pediatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU), while those with ongoing medical needs may receive care in our Transitional Care Unit (TCU). In both settings, families are an essential part of the care team, supported by physicians, nurses, therapists, and child life specialists dedicated to compassionate, family-centered care.
pediatric intensive care unit (PICU)
Dayton Children’s Pediatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU) provides expert, 24/7 care for critically ill or injured children. Our team includes board-certified pediatric intensivists and specialists from 35 areas, such as pulmonology, cardiology, and cancer care.
Families are valued members of the care team and we believe in family-centered care. We invite you to participate in daily rounds and work closely with our nurses and advanced practice providers trained in trauma and pediatric critical care.
With a low nurse-to-patient ratio and mostly private rooms, children receive personalized care supported by advanced bedside therapies, centralized monitoring, and specialized technology for complex conditions.
transitional care unit
The Transitional Care Unit (TCU) at Dayton Children’s provides specialized care for children who are chronically ill, dependent on medical technology or require close observation. Stays range from weeks to over a year, and our staff builds strong bonds with patients and families.
We care for children recovering from surgery, managing seizures or strokes, or transitioning from the NICU. Our team offers hands-on training and support to help families prepare for home care—through classes, bedside instruction, and even home visits (as needed).
medical transport service and our mobile intensive care unit
Dayton Children’s provides ground transportation for critically ill and injured children who need to be transferred to or from the hospital and another facility. Our fully equipped transport vehicles serve as medical intensive care units, and are staffed by highly trained, experienced nurses and respiratory therapists.
Patients who are transported from other hospitals to Dayton Children’s may include:
- Newborns who need to be transferred to the Dayton Children’s newborn intensive care unit
- Patients who need a higher level of care than another hospital is able to provide
- Children who were hospitalized at a distant facility and want to receive care closer to home
- In some rare situations, patients are transferred from Dayton Children’s to another facility for care. One example is when an organ becomes available for a child who has been awaiting a transplant.
Our average dispatch to departure time is 15 minutes, and our team has easy highway access from all points in the region. Dayton Children’s can also make arrangements for air transportation when patients need to travel to or from a distant hospital.
meet our critical care team
Our pediatric critical care team includes board-certified intensivists, specially trained nurses, and supportive care experts who care for children with life-threatening illnesses or injuries. From emergency situations to complex, chronic conditions requiring technology like ventilators, our providers deliver advanced, compassionate care tailored to each child’s needs. Working closely with pediatric specialists across the hospital, the team coordinates care during a child’s most vulnerable moments and supports families throughout their time in the intensive or transitional care units.
news and blogs
Stay up-to-date with the latest insights from Dayton Children’s Hospital. We’re always working to share helpful, real-world content for families navigating pediatric critical care.
patient stories
During a critical care journey, it can bring comfort to hear from other families who have been there before. These stories are here to remind you that you’re not alone. From the moment your child arrives in our care, our expert team surrounds your family with advanced treatment, compassion and support.
Explore how Dayton Children’s pediatric critical care team goes above and beyond for kids just like yours.
for your visit
family-centered care
At Dayton Children’s, parents are important members of the care team. We want them to understand their child’s condition, be involved in treatment decisions and feel comfortable asking questions. Parents are welcome and encouraged to be in the child’s room at all times, even when the staff is doing procedures, and to spend the night in the child’s room if possible.
Family-centered rounds are an opportunity for parents and other family members to share their thoughts, impressions and concerns. These take place every morning in the child’s hospital room. During rounds, the child’s pediatric intensivist meets with parents, caregivers and the rest of the care team (other specialists, resident physicians, nurses and other providers). Your input is vital! If you are not able to attend rounds or prefer not to participate, a member of the care team can talk with you privately about what was discussed.
find more information
Find answers to the questions you may have during your child’s stay in the pediatric intensive care unit at Dayton Children’s. If you need more information, please talk to your child’s nurse or anyone else who works on the PICU. We are here to provide the support you need!
hours & locations – pediatric critical care
Our pediatric critical care providers see patients at our main campus.
resources for families in critical care
No one plans for their child to need critical care, but if it happens, Dayton Children’s is here to support you every step of the way. Learn more about amenities, visitation guidelines, and what to expect during your stay.
