Physicians team up with emergency services

Mercyhealth’s emergency field vehicles, called MD-1, offer additional physician-level field support to EMS on critical calls. Our four-wheel-drive MD-1 vehicles are used to drive directly to a scene where physician support is necessary to help stabilize a patient prior to transfer or if the EMS crew requires additional patient care capabilities en route to the hospital. There are currently four MD-1 vehicles staffed by residency trained emergency medicine physicians. Vehicles are stationed in Rock, Walworth, and Winnebago counties. A fourth vehicle is used as a spare and for prolonged incidents.

For 24/7 Emergency response, MD-1 can be contacted by the dispatch center upon incident commander request at 1-800-MD-REACT.  MD-1 does not respond to citizen requests and will only respond upon formal request of an authorized emergency service.  MD-1 will respond automatically as determined by the on call physician with EMS agencies under Mercyhealth Medical Direction.  Agencies not under our medical direction will need to formally request a response.  Agencies and patients are not billed for our services.

Each MD-1 is a certified emergency vehicle equipped with:

• Emergency lighting and siren
• Public safety radios
• Maps and GPS navigation
• Personal protective equipment
• Extrication equipment
• Rehab supplies
• LUCAS 2 mechanical (hands-free) CPR device
• Zoll X Series monitor/defibrillator
• Glidescope video intubation unit
• Medications with secure storage
• Chest tubes
• Tourniquets
• Field amputation equipment
• Triage kit
• Comfort items for patients and EMS crews

MD-1 does not replace EMS teams already in the field. It serves as additional support in field trauma cases.

MD-1 has been a welcome addition to the community and has received state and national attention. News and recognition of MD-1 has been shared via:

• FM and AM radio interviews
• Gazette newspaper articles
• Local Vision TV interview
• Farm rescue training article
• Numerous community events
• Fire department open houses
• National Association of EMS Physicians (NAEMSP) conference lecture
• Describing the program to interested individuals at gas pumps