Mobile Medical Vehicles

Mobile medical units are utilized to offer an array of medical services from any location. In some cases, mobile medical vehicles operate in conjunction with an emergency response team. In other situations, they are utilized by medical businesses who are hoping to expand without investing in a new physical location. Additionally, mobile medical is often utilized to offer medical services to remote communities. 

Not only are mobile medical units utilized for a vast array of purpose built applications, they are also utilized across many specialties and disciplines. From dentistry to routine healthcare to veterinary work, mobile clinics are a critical resource for medical communities. Due to the large scope of use, most mobile medical units are custom built to ensure the vehicle will meet the specific needs of the team utilizing it.

The healthcare sector utilizes mobile vehicles in a variety of ways. In many cases, a mobile unit allows healthcare providers to offer services in areas that would otherwise be difficult to access. For example, small rural towns that cannot afford to build a complete hospital often suffer from a lack of preventative healthcare options. A mobile unit can be driven from small community to small community, performing critical screenings. 

Additionally, Medical Outreach Programs have turned to mobile units to provide services in underdeveloped areas, as well as underserved populations, that require medical attention and awareness.  For example, many mammograms are now performed through mobile clinics that are offered in convenient locations, such as during a health fair at a corporate office. 

Finally, mobile units are often utilized in emergency response situations. 

These are just a few of the many ways the healthcare industry has adopted mobile vehicles into their function.

Due to the wide variation in size and style, mobile medical units are built on a variety of platforms. A medical unit could be built on something as small as a Ram Promaster or as big as a 53-foot semi-trailer. The key is to choose a platform that is reliable and designed to meet your team’s specific needs. 

The following are all common choices for mobile medical vehicles:

• Mercedes Benz Sprinter, Ford Transit, Ram Promaster, and other similar van styles
• Cutaway Van: 14’ to 18’ Lengths
• Cab and Chassis: 16’ to 28’ Lengths
• Step Van Trucks: MT45 or MT55 – 16’ to 24’ Lengths
• Commercial RV Platform: 33’ or 45’ Lengths
• Trailers, including the following:
  • Tag Pull: 16’ to 32’ Lengths
  • Gooseneck: 28’ to 48’ Lengths
  • Semi-Trailer: 53’ (Available in Custom Lengths)

Mobile medical units can be outfitted with any equipment required to meet your program requirements. The type of equipment found in a specific medical unit is determined by the intended use of the vehicle. 

Generally speaking, some or all of the following features, and equipment, will be included in a custom mobile medical vehicle:

• Waiting area to ensure patient privacy
• Standard temperature, blood pressure, and heart rate monitoring equipment
• Storage for gloves, bandages, antiseptics, and other common medical supplies
• Check-in / check-out area
• Screening equipment, such as x-ray machines
• Breakroom for staff
• Lavatories
• Internet access
• Computer equipment for processing information
• Lab testing equipment for blood samples

Depending on the use case for the mobile unit, a medical vehicle can be designed with any additional equipment needed.

A mobile medical unit is perhaps one of the most important vehicles to customize from the chassis up. Because each medical specialty requires a unique layout, specific equipment, and other custom requirements, it is critical to work with a team who can help design the perfect mobile unit. 

Customization has an array of benefits, no matter what the medical use case is for the vehicle, including all of the following:

• Efficient workflow: Design the layout to allow for the most efficient working environment possible. 
• Patient comfort: Customize the build to ensure that patients are comfortable and privacy is upheld.
• Latest technology: Equip the medical vehicle with industry leading functionality and technology available for your team’s needs.
• Whether you need something small and easily maneuverable for remote locations, or you need a large unit capable of handling large equipment, customization allows you to choose the ideal size vehicle for your situation.