The Shakopee Mdewakanton Sioux Community Multi-Functional Mobile Medical Unit is a combination Mobile Medical and Incident Command Unit. Housing facilities for mammography and cancer screening in addition to emergency response, this unit is a joint project of the SMSC Health Department and Mdewakanton Emergency Services. It is generally referred to as the Mobile Unit.

Background

• High rates of cancer of all types in Native communities as well as the need for on-site services to improve health screening rates for earlier detection of problems led to its development.
• Introduced at the 2007 SMSC Annual Wacipi and utilized as the event command center.
• It is an 80 foot tractor trailer which travels to various locations around the state for mobile mammography, health services, and incident command.
• Trailer part built by Farber Specialty Vehicles of Columbus, Ohio.
• Tractor built by Western Star.
•  Awarded accreditation through the American College of Radiology (ACR) in February 2008.
• Also meets requirements in the Mammography Quality Standards Act (MQSA).

Capabilities

• Two radiology suites, one for mammography and one for chest x-rays, fitted with state of the art digital systems that provide screening for breast and lung cancers. Can also be used for any x-ray that can be done in an upright position.
• Digital technology allows for the mammograms to be stored electronically aboard the Mobile Unit and then downloaded and read by medical professionals upon return to the SMSC. Results are then sent directly to patients and their doctors.
• Laboratory is used for tests to screen patients for prostate cancer, diabetes, and other illnesses. 
• Large open space can serve multiple functions such as a temporary dental clinic, an emergency medical treatment area, or a meeting area.
• The emergency response component includes radio, telephone, satellite, and visual recording of the emergency scene. It contains space and technical capabilities for tactical planning for coordinating services in case of a large-scale event or emergency.

Tractor (Cab)

• Gets 5 miles per gallon
• Uses diesel fuel
• 3 captain’s chairs
•  Refrigerator
• TV monitor
• Length – 27 feet, 6 inches
• Height - 13 feet, 6 inches
• Weight – 17,000 pounds
• CDL Class A Combination with Airbrake endorsement required for driver
• 10 speed auto
• Can run cable from trailer to tractor for satellite, phone, and internet capabilities (for private area or command)
• Refrigerator and monitor in berth

Trailer

• Length – 53 feet
• Width - 8 feet, 6 inches
• Width with sides out: 12 feet, 4 inches
•  Height - 13 feet
• Weight - 40,280 pounds

Tractor/trailer combined

• Length - 80 feet
• Length with overhang - 74 feet long
• Width - 8 feet, 6 inches
• Width with sides out: 12 feet, 4 inches
• Height - 13 feet 6 inches 
• Weight - 57,280 pounds

Deployments

• In 2009 the Mobile Unit had 44 deployments off the SMSC reservation; 26 of those were for mammograms.
• The Mobile Unit has provided mammography services to 8 Native communities and 2 urban Indian community clinics.

Medical

• A total of 2,552 mammograms have been performed aboard the Mobile Unit from 2007 to March of 2010.
• A total of 1,861 mammograms were performed aboard the Mobile Unit in 2009.
• In its first two years of operation, the Mobile Unit provided services at the following locations:
  • American Cancer Society Fair
  • Bois Forte Reservation
  • Duluth Hope Clinic
  • Fond du Lac Reservation
  • Indian Health Board
  • Grand Portage Reservation
  • Leech Lake Reservation
  • Lower Sioux Indian Community
  • Mille Lacs Reservation
  • Native American Community Clinic
  • Project Homeless Connect
  • Red Lake Nation
  • Shakopee Women’s Prison
  • St. Paul Public Health
  • Susan G Komen Foundation events in Aitkin, Crosby, and Brainerd, Minnesota.
  • Upper Sioux Community
  • Waseca Women’s Prison

• The Mobile Unit also provides mammography services to SMSC Community members, Native Americans who live in Scott County, and employees of the SMSC and SMSC Gaming Enterprise during monthly health screening events. 
• Through a cooperative agreement with the Shakopee Women’s Prison the Mobile Unit provides mammography services to inmates about once a month.

Dental

• During dental deployments, a dentist, hygienist, and dental assistant see patients.
• Routine checkups, cleanings, polishings, preventative treatments, sealants, fluoride treatments, debridement, and oral cancer screenings can be performed.
• These services supplement existing dental care at Indian Health Service and other clinics.
• In the fall of 2008 the SMSC introduced Dental Services through the Mobile Unit by its initial trip to the Red Lake Band of Chippewa. During a two-day trip, dental staff saw 35 patients for treatment.

Lead Screening

A medical provider and a nurse utilize the Mobile Unit to conduct screenings for lead exposure in children.

Diabetes Management

A board-certified endocrinologist and a diabetes educator travel in the Mobile Unit to perform screenings, education, and assessment of patients.

Scott County Department of Health

• The SMSC has a formal agreement with the Scott County Department of Health to use the Mobile Unit for urgent care, well child care, and immunizations in Jordan, Savage, and the City of Prior Lake in Scott County, Minnesota.
• The Scott County Medical Director and Public Health staff provide health screening and assessments to individuals and families needing access to health care.
• Basic health screenings done aboard the Mobile Unit on these deployments include basic health assessments; tests like blood glucose, blood cholesterol, sexually transmitted diseases, and pregnancy; blood pressure checks; health promotion and disease prevention; and immunizations.
• Corporate supporters of the program who donate over the counter medications and supplies include Walgreens Pharmacy, CVS Pharmacy, St. Francis Regional Medical Center, and Park Nicolette.

Emergency Medical Services

• During the Republican National Convention, the Mobile Unit was used as the Mobile Incident Command Center by the Saint Paul Fire Department. It has also been used by a local SWAT Team and the Morrison County’s Sheriff’s Department for training.
• On September 26, 2009, the Mobile Unit served as on site medical support and command central for the American Diabetes Association’s 2009 Step Out: Walk to Fight Diabetesat General Mills World Headquarters in Golden Valley, Minnesota.
• The Mobile Unit was also at the Mahkato 37^th Annual Traditional Pow Wow in Mankato, Minnesota, September 19-20, 2009, where it was used to provide first aid and medical response as needed.
• Twin Cities Marathon where 11,000 runners from across the nation and 300,000 spectators gathered on October 4, 2009. During the event, the Mobile Unit was parked in front of the State Capitol and from it SMSC Emergency Medical Services staff provided Command Communications.
• A local SWAT Team and the Morrison County’s Sheriff’s Department have also used the Mobile Unit for training.
• During the annual SMSC Wacipi, it is used as a command center and first aid station.

Equipment on Board

• Digital chest x-ray unit
• Digital Mammography unit
• Advanced Cardiac Life SupportCrash Cart
• Wheel chair lift
• Insta-Alert Sign
•  Internet
• Satellite for phones, internet, and tv
• Smart Board
• 3 computer monitors/work stations
• Waiting area
• AC and DC power
• Self-contained temperature unit
• 2 computer docking stations
• Bathroom with incinerator toilet which burns waste
• 25-gallon water tank
• 25-gallon water tank for “gray” or used water, like from handwashing
• 6 lap-top computers with 2 Sprint cards (for use if satellite failure occurs)
• Driver side and passenger side slide outs
• Weather station
• 2-way radios
• 2 dispatch stations with 400 and 800 mhz capabilities
•  Copier/printer/fax
•  Microwave
• Coffee pot
• 2 refrigerators

Visit www.smscmobile.org for more information.