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A Charlotte non-profit hospital network has deployed its state-of-the-art MED-1 mobile hospital to Tryon International Equestrian Center to support disaster response efforts in the region.

As the world’s first fully equipped hospital on wheels, Atrium Health’s MED-1 is designed to provide comprehensive medical care to communities in need, ensuring that emergency healthcare remains accessible in the midst of devastation.

In a video on the company’s Facebook page, Brian Sutton, the nurse manager of MED-1, offered a behind-the-scenes look at the intricate preparation required to deploy this mobile emergency department.

“This is more than just a mobile clinic,” Sutton said, highlighting the hospital’s advanced capabilities. MED-1 is equipped with digital x-ray, ultrasound, an in-house pharmacy, a lab, and a 14-bed acute care unit. The facility also features a two-bed operating room, allowing for a full range of emergency and urgent medical treatments.

“We’re committed to providing immediate and long-term disaster response and recovery for our communities,” Sutton added. “Our mission is to improve health, elevate hope, and advance healing for all.”

The MED-1 unit’s deployment to Tryon comes at a crucial time as the region continues to grapple with the aftermath of Helene, which left behind widespread damage and strained local medical infrastructure. The mobile hospital is part of Atrium Health’s broader commitment to bring healthcare directly to affected areas, offering a lifeline for residents and first responders in times of crisis.

Headquartered in Charlotte, Atrium Health is part of Advocate Health, the third-largest nonprofit health system in the United States. Known for its pediatric, cancer, heart care, organ transplants, and specialized treatments, Atrium Health is also a leader in virtual care and mobile medicine, which makes the MED-1 deployment particularly significant.

The organization’s core academic institution, Wake Forest University School of Medicine, continues to lead in groundbreaking research and experiential medical education, ensuring that Atrium Health’s mobile medical services are at the cutting edge of healthcare innovation.