The trend to put hospitality back into hospitals has also put the training wheels on EMS transport.

A new, one-of-a-kind ambulance is helping to make EMS transport a little less threatening, at least for kids being rushed to the University of Missouri Children's Hospital in Columbia.

This unit serves children from infancy through middle-school age with comforting surroundings and state-of-the-art treatment facilities. The interior features graphics matching the pediatric patient-care areas at the hospital, which resemble an inviting playground or toyland more than the customary cold, intimidating medical environment.

The designers believe the vehicle, donated last year by Wal-Mart heirs Bill and Nancy Laurie, helps to create a diversion for ill or injured youngsters.

A picture of Truman Jr., the frisky pediatric ward mascot, welcomes children into the vehicle, which incorporates a cityscape on the walls, a city street on the floor, and a sky above complete with jets, clouds and kites. The unit is also equipped with various age-appropriate movies and toys, a 13-inch color TV, VCR and stereo system with speakers mounted in the ceiling so young patients can watch their favorite Pokemon video or listen to a Ricky Martin CD. There's room for parents to ride in the back to provide additional comfort and support.

“This ambulance is unique in many ways,” said Nancy Shaw, director of transport services for University of Missouri Health Care. “It's designed to be kid-friendly as well as caregiver-friendly.”

Built to carry two stretchers in a T-position, the ambulance loads from the side or rear. A Freightliner chassis was chosen to facilitate long travel on highways, and extra windows were added in the back to keep the caregiver from getting motion sickness. Between the two main caregiver seats is a console containing air, light, stereo and radio controls, and a cell phone. The sharps box, trash and locked medication box are below.

The ambulance provides several special features for children of all ages, including ventilators for neonates and older children, pediatric cardiac apnea equipment and IV pumps for all ages, as well as isolettes and pediatric stretchers.

A 17-member team composed of registered nurses, respiratory therapists, neonatologists and pediatric intensivists is assigned to the vehicle around the clock, the only service of its kind in the state outside of St. Louis and Kansas City. The only hospital in mid-Missouri offering specialized neonatal and trauma care for children, Children's Hospital is a 115-bed division within University Hospital.