What’s your plan when disaster strikes? LA wildfires are tearing through communities, destroying homes, and making it harder for people to evacuate and get basic medical care. If you’re trying to help, the big question is: how can you reach people in need fast?
Here’s the problem: Many people in wildfire areas and other emergency situations have no way to see a doctor, get medicine, or treat injuries, which is putting their lives at risk.
Why does this matter? When people can’t get medical help right away, small problems become big ones. Injuries get worse, and lives that could’ve been saved might be lost. But now imagine this: having a mobile clinic that can bring care directly to people facing emergencies, such as wildfire zones. You’d be filling a huge gap and saving lives when it matters most.
We know it’s tough right now in California. The stakes are high, and it’s hard to know where to start when a natural disaster strikes. You want to help, but it feels overwhelming. That’s why we’re here to give you some guidance on what may help when things like this happen down the road.
At AVAN Mobility, we’ve spent over 10 years building mobile medical units for organizations like yours and CalOptima, bringing care to people who need it all over the U.S. We’re here to help you figure out the best way forward—no bias, just solutions.
This article will introduce you to mobile medical units and how they can help during crises like LA’s wildfires. You’ll see how these solutions could save lives and prepare your organization for future emergencies.
What’s the impact of LA wildfires?
Natural disasters have a tremendous impact on people’s lives. For example, the recent wildfires in Los Angeles have caused significant damage and disruption. Here’s a snapshot of their impact:
Lives lost: At least 24 people have died due to the fires.
Widespread evacuations: Over 100,000 residents have been ordered to leave their homes.
Homes destroyed: More than 12,300 structures, including houses, have been burned down.
Economic toll: The fires have caused economic losses estimated around $135 billion.
Power outages: Approximately 1.6 million homes in California are without electricity.
Air quality concerns: Smoke from the fires has led to some of the worst air quality in years, affecting residents’ health.
Emergency response: About 1,400 firefighters have been working tirelessly, with reinforcements arriving from neighboring states.
These points highlight the severe challenges faced by the state and communities during this crisis. Mobile medical vehicles may be one of the answers you’re looking for to help people dealing with disasters like this. Let’s start with how a Mobile Clinic Unit can help.
How can a Mobile Clinic Unit
help during a crisis?
Imagine this: Individuals are trapped in the middle of LA’s wildfire chaos. Hospitals are too far from their rural location. People are scared, injured, or sick with nowhere to turn. That’s a situation where a Mobile Clinic Unit could be useful. It’s a doctor’s office on wheels, bringing help right to the people who need it most.
Key features that make a difference
Floor-to-ceiling cabinetry: The cabinetry keeps critical medical supplies organized and ready to go, so care can happen fast in emergencies.
Patient bed with under-bed storage: A comfortable bed offers a secure place to treat burns, injuries, or dehydration—all common issues during wildfires.
Options for sink and fridge: This ensures that medicines and vaccines stay safe to use and clean water is always on hand for wound care or hydration.
Power supply: A reliable power supply keeps medical devices running, even when the power grid goes down.
Rear heat & air conditioning: Air conditioning provides relief for those suffering from smoke inhalation or extreme heat, creating a safe space to recover.
Clean, comfortable environment: Reduces stress for patients, helping them feel safe and cared for during the fires.
The Mobile Clinic Unit is a lifeline when dealing with emergencies and natural disasters, like LA’s wildfire crisis. When every second counts, these units can be the difference between life and death.
How can the P4 3-in-1 Van help during a crisis?
Think about this: In a wildfire or any other type of emergency, getting people out and safe is the first priority. But not everyone can just hop in a car and leave. The P4 3-in-1 Van is built to handle these challenges and more. Here’s how it makes a difference:
Ambulatory transportation: This van is perfect for people who can walk but need extra help getting out. It provides a safe and reliable ride to shelters or medical care.
Wheelchair transportation: Smooth and secure loading means people with mobility challenges can evacuate quickly without added stress.
Stretcher transportation: The van is equipped with sturdy mounts and a stretcher system, it’s perfect for moving patients who need to lie flat, like those with mobility problems, burns, or breathing issues.
What features make it great for helping people in an emergency?
High ground clearance: It easily navigates debris-covered roads, reaching areas regular vehicles can’t. With the Trail Upgrade Package, it’ll be even easier.
Small footprint: The 159” nimble chassis makes it perfect for navigating tight city streets and rural areas.
Configurable seating: It can carry up to 10 ambulatory passengers, 3 wheelchairs, or a mix. Ideal for evacuating multiple people at once.
Heavy-duty ramp: The ramp handles up to 1,000 lbs, so it’s great for wheelchairs or stretchers. Quick access saves time when no time can be wasted.
Barrier-free entry: No steps make it easy for everyone to get in and out, even in a rush.
Stowable ramp: The stowable ramp stays out of the way when not needed, allowing for smooth walk-on access.
When disasters strike, the P4 3-in-1 Van becomes a way to evacuate people safely and quickly. Whether you’re moving someone with limited mobility or transporting patients to safety, this van is a flexible, reliable solution that can help people in emergencies.
How can a Mobile Counseling Van can help during a crisis?
It’s not just physical injuries that need care: Emergencies take a massive toll on people’s mental health. Due to the LA wildfires, families are dealing with fear, anxiety, and loss—some have lost homes, and others have lost loved ones. Organizations can use the Mobile Counseling Van to help those struggling emotionally during and after a crisis. Here’s how it makes a difference:
Features that bring comfort and relief
Living room feel: The van feels like home, with cozy couches, a table, and calming music from speakers. This relaxed space helps people open up about their feelings when everything around them feels overwhelming.
Work table: A perfect spot where counselors and clients can sit face-to-face, building trust and having meaningful conversations about what they’re going through.
Natural light: Big windows and a skylight make the van bright and welcoming, countering the heavy emotions people may feel after such a disaster.
Easy access: A side entry door and ramp mean everyone can easily enter, including those with mobility challenges. No one is left out of getting help.
WiFi connectivity: Counselors can use online tools and resources during sessions to provide better care and stay connected.
Privacy and comfort: The van’s insulation keeps conversations private and the space quiet, allowing people to focus on their recovery without distractions.
Why does this matter so much right now?
Survivors need emotional support to process their trauma and begin rebuilding their lives. The van goes directly to evacuation centers or affected neighborhoods, making it easier for people to access help when they can’t travel. It provides dignity and safety at a time when everything else feels uncertain.
The Mobile Counseling Van takes mental health care straight to the people, helping them find hope, strength, and a way to move forward during one of the toughest times in their lives.
Mobile medical vans: Your solution for saving lives in emergencies
When you first came to this article, you were searching for solutions to a critical problem: how to provide help quickly and effectively to those impacted by natural disasters, such as LA’s wildfires. You wanted to know how to bridge the gap for those who couldn’t reach medical care or were struggling emotionally during this crisis.
After reading, you’ve learned how mobile medical units like the Mobile Clinic Unit, P4 3-in-1 Van, and Mobile Counseling Van can bring life-saving care, safe transportation, and emotional support to those in need. These vehicles are designed to meet people where they are, even in the toughest conditions.
At AVAN Mobility, we’re proud to be leaders in this field, and we understand the challenges you’re facing. We’re here to support you with solutions that truly make a difference. Our goal is simple: to save lives and bring hope to the communities that need it most by manufacturing innovative vehicles.
If you have any questions, click the button below to talk to a mobility expert. We’d love to help you take the next step in making a difference.
Not ready to talk yet? No problem. Check out our other resources to learn more about how we can help.
Start by reading our article on how mobile clinics can be a solution to rural hospital closures in the U.S.
After that, read our other article to learn how much a mobile clinic costs in Los Angeles.
