“State-of-the-Art” Mobile Surgical Unit Shows Disaster Relief Uses

The Coastal Bend Health Education Center (CBHEC), an affiliate of The Texas A&M University System Health Science Center, is hosting an educational demonstration of a state-of-the-art prototype military mobile medical surgical unit developed by Mobile Medical International Corporation (MMIC) of St. Johnsbury, VT.
The mobile surgical unit is readily moved by land, sea or air and can expand to more than three times its transportable size and be ready for use within an hour. It includes integrated systems for telemedicine,as well as a comprehensive medical gas system, nurse call system and data management system. It is a fully functional surgical suite on wheels. As a terrorism emergency response unit, it is self-contained and self-sustaining and can be bioshielded.
Mobile Medical International Corporation President Rick Cochran will be available for interviews from 10-11 a.m. Darc Keller, Ph.D. in Health Science, vice president of the western region for the unit and colonel in the Air Force Reserves, will also be present for interviews during that time.
The unit will be available for touring Wednesday, April 2, 2003, at 5001 South Padre Island Drive (formerly KMART parking lot) from 9:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.
Established in 1999, CBHEC is an affiliate of The Texas A&M University System Health Science Center. CBHEC delivers health education programs to 19 counties in the greater coastal bend. CBHEC is funded through the Texas State Legislature as well as private support from area health care systems and industry. CBHEC’s strategy is to work with the community, policy makers, and health care professionals.
The Texas A&M University System Health Science Center provides the state with health education, outreach and research. Its five components located in communities throughout Texas are Baylor College of Dentistry, the College of Medicine, the Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, the Institute of Biosciences and Technology and the School of Rural Public Health.