Think about a patient who has a sore throat and a bit of a fever. They want to rush to the ER but they know that going there for a minor issue like that can lead to long wait times and cause problems for those that truly need emergency care. This can overburden the healthcare system and increase the stress for healthcare teams. An NEMT van is a solution for all of this.
Our team at AVAN Mobility manufactures four different types of mobile medical vans. Organizations like yours can use them to help people around the U.S. who have more trouble accessing healthcare than others. One of the vans we manufacture includes the NEMT van. This is also commonly referred to as the Mobile Response Van.
In this article, you’re going to learn all about the NEMT van. We’ll talk about who uses them, what’s included in them, and in what scenarios they’re ideal for.
What is a NEMT van?
A NEMT van is a Non-Emergency Medical Transport van. It’s a van that organizations use to help people with non-urgent medical needs without the rush of an emergency. Instead of a full-blown emergency room on wheels, NEMT vans focus on providing a safe and comfortable treatment space and ride for medical needs that aren’t life-threatening.
NEMT vans are somewhat like medical taxis. They bring together basic medical services and transportation in one handy package until someone can get more specialized care.
Can the NEMT van reduce ER visits?
In the U.S., a good chunk of ER visits aren’t really necessary. Studies show about 30% of all ER visits could be sorted out better in urgent care centers, regular doctor offices, or through talking to a doctor online.
People often end up in the ER for things that aren’t real emergencies—like small injuries, colds, flu, or just needing more medicine. A lot of the time people visit the ER because they can’t easily see a regular doctor when they need to, so the ER becomes the go-to.
Using the ER when it’s not an emergency increases healthcare costs in the U.S. ER care is pricier compared to going to a regular doctor or urgent care. This puts a huge financial burden on both people and the whole healthcare system.
Choosing the right kind of care, like using NEMT vans instead of emergency rooms, could save a whopping $4.4 billion every year.
5 scenarios where NEMT vans can be used
Let’s look at some situations where a NEMT van can be a big help. Picture these real-life scenarios:
- Routine medical appointments: Think about an older person who has trouble moving around. They need to go to the doctor for monitoring. The NEMT van is there to make sure they get to and from the medical clinic without any stress.
- Chronic illness management: For someone dealing with a long-term health issue, going to the doctor regularly is super important. The NEMT van can make sure patients don’t miss an appointment which could prevent their health from declining.
- Post-surgery follow-ups: After having surgery, getting to follow-up appointments can be a worry—especially if you can’t drive or don’t have someone to help. The NEMT van steps in to provide a safe and supportive ride for those post-surgery check-ups.
- Back injuries: Think about an individual dealing with bad back pain who doesn’t have a vehicle to make it to a hospital. The NEMT van comes to the neighborhood equipped with a stretcher to ensure their comfort during the journey to the hospital. With the NEMT van, it’s not about flashing lights and sirens; instead, it offers a quick, safe, method of transportation for that urgent hospital trip without the full emergency commotion.
- Helping people with disabilities: People with disabilities sometimes panic when dealing with healthcare concerns and call for an ambulance. With NEMT vans, they don’t have to do that anymore. NEMT vans are ready to help, making sure everyone has a fair shot at reaching healthcare services comfortably.
10 features of the NEMT van from AVAN Mobility
Let’s dive into the features that make the NEMT van, also known as the Mobile Response Van, the perfect choice for non-urgent care.
1. Quick access with aluminum cabinetry
The aluminum cabinetry layouts in the NEMT van boast slider openings, ensuring speedy access to supplies. Even in non-emergencies, every second counts, and these smart openings make sure everything you need is within arm’s reach.
2. Tailored storage for medical equipment
The NEMT van offers designated storage space for medical equipment. It’s not just about transporting patients; it’s about carrying the tools healthcare professionals need for efficient non-urgent care.
3. AutoFloor flexibility
Adapting on the go is easy with the AutoFloor flexible floor system. Need a change in seating arrangements? No problem. This feature allows for quick adjustments, ensuring comfort for both patients and attendants.
4. Stretcher and attendant transport
In the field of healthcare, versatility is key. The NEMT van accommodates both stretcher and attendant transport, offering a complete solution for various non-urgent medical situations.
5. Power supply anywhere
With conventional outlets, 12V plugs, and a power control panel, the NEMT van offers a steady power supply. No need to worry about running out of juice during critical moments.
6. Comfortable environment
Step inside, and you’ll find a clean, comfortable environment. From wipe-clean medical-friendly finishes to rear heat and air conditioning, every detail is crafted to create a soothing space for both patients and healthcare providers.
7. Safety first with first responder kits
The NEMT van is equipped with first responder kit bags, first aid kits, AEDs, and defibrillators. The van puts safety at the forefront. Non-urgent doesn’t mean compromising on preparedness.
8. Easy access and ample storage
Both rear doors swing open, providing easy access. While inside the van, lots of room is available for a full-size stretcher and seating. There’s enough space for every piece of equipment your team has, leading to a well-organized and efficient environment.
9. Privacy matters with cab divider
You’ll find a cab divider in the NEMT van to respect patient privacy. It’s a small touch that makes a big difference in creating a secure and personal space during transport.
10. Seamless integration with oxygen bottle holders
The NEMT van takes a breath of fresh air to a whole new level with strategically placed oxygen bottle holders that secure right into the floor. It makes sure oxygen is conveniently within reach, contributing to a smooth and well-equipped transport experience.
What’s next?
You landed on this article looking for more information about non-emergency medical transport vans. You learned about what NEMT vans are, scenarios where they can be used, along with 10 features of the Mobile Response Van that we manufacture at AVAN Mobility.
At AVAN Mobility, we’ve been doing our best to design and manufacture mobile medical vans for over a decade. Organizations like yours use our vans to help people with their healthcare needs all over the U.S. We’re all saving lives by helping people help people.
If found this article helpful, you should also take a look at our article on the top 6 ways to apply for mobile health grants. We find that lots of organizations have trouble securing grants, and the article is a step in the right direction.
You should also look at our article on the Mobile Response Unit vs. Ambulance. This article will help you understand the differences between these two vehicles.
