Collaborative effort to premiere nation’s second Mobile Emergency Room

Oct 12 2009

In partnership with the Emergency Medical Services (EMS) Agency of Los Angeles County, Long Beach Memorial Medical Center and Miller Children’s Hospital will premiere the nation’s second Mobile Emergency Room (ER) unit today at the 25th Anniversary of the Long Beach International City Bank Marathon and Half Marathon.

The 1,000+ square foot unit, which will be staffed by Long Beach Memorial’s Emergency and Trauma team on race day, is equipped with 12 patient beds, four of which can monitor heart rates and administer oxygen, and a two-bed operating room. Used to treat minor injuries and dehydration on race day, the Mobile ER unit can provide services including basic triage, x-rays, ultrasounds, EKGs, and even minor surgery, making it ideal for disaster scenarios.

“By working with LA County to give the new Mobile ER unit its first test run, Long Beach Memorial and Miller Children’s Hospital are continuing our commitment to providing the highest level of care to our Southern California community and beyond,” said Diana Hendel, Chief Executive Officer. “The valuable insight that our Emergency and Trauma team gather during race day will help Los Angeles County and any region that needs on-site medical assistance should a major disaster ever strike.”

The Mobile ER unit was purchased and supported by vital grant funds from Homeland Security and Hospital Preparedness programs. Operated and maintained by LA County EMS Agency, the unit is intended to provide support in the event of a large-scale disaster or incident where emergency facilities are not available, have been compromised or have exceeded their capacity to treat patients.

As the first to test drive this unit, Long Beach Memorial’s Emergency and Trauma team will provide feedback that LA County EMS officials can use to ensure the unit’s effectiveness in an actual disaster.

“This unique collaboration highlights how Los Angeles County, and specifically the EMS Agency, can pull together with its hospital partners as a system to prepare for emergencies and disasters, even in a trial run at a marathon," said Cathy Chidester, EMS Director, LA County. “We hope a disaster never occurs, but it is vitally important to continually prepare.”

Located at the finish line at the corner of Shoreline Drive and Linden Avenue, the Mobile ER unit will be accompanied by an awning to provide an additional 100 beds. Also accompanying the Mobile ER unit is the Support Trailer, which contains a staff lounge and rest area, TV, microwave and shower, as well as most of the equipment that goes into the unit upon setup.

Long Beach Memorial nurses and physicians will also be stationed throughout the course to provide medical treatment and water and protein snacks to all 22,000 participants.

“We are the first marathon in the country to have a full-scale mobile hospital at the finish line. It’s a fantastic addition for our 25^th Anniversary race. Many of our runners need medical aid following the race, and while we hope everyone makes it to the finish line safe and sound, having the Long Beach Memorial Medical Center Team and this world-class Mobile Hospital helps us be more prepared than ever,” said John Parks, EVP, International City Racing. “We are excited LA County has chosen this year’s race to test the mobile unit.”

Tours of the Mobile ER unit will be conducted throughout race day, from 7 a.m. until the last participant crosses the finish line. To schedule a tour or for more information, including photographs and interviews with hospital representatives, Los Angeles County, Marathon organizers, or runners being treated in the mobile unit, please contact Kate Garsson at 571-224-4804 or [email protected].