RAM ProMaster Mobile Vaccination Clinics
Posted on May 27, 2021
Here at CarHub, we often talk about the incredible diversity of the RAM ProMaster with a bit of awe. As a commercial vehicle with a huge cargo capacity and fantastic fuel capacity, the ProMaster is easily transferable from a commercial vehicle to a recreation vehicle and more.
More?? What else could the 2021 RAM ProMaster possibly be able to handle? Aren’t commercial and recreational vehicle enough?
Well, as the ongoing saga of the pandemic continues to bring out the most innovative and helpful in people, the ProMaster takes centre stage again, this time in the ever-so-important realm of frontline healthcare.
The ProMaster Idea
A few weeks back, when vaccine rollout was just starting to take shape and time was the absolute essence, one enterprising company saw the potential for the ProMaster to do its part in the fight against COVID-19.
The company in question is called Tri-Star and it’s based in Yarmouth in Nova Scotia, and its idea was to repurpose the ProMaster as a mobile vaccination clinic. Mobile vaccination units are crucial to spreading the vaccine to groups and individuals who may not have had accessibility to vaccination otherwise. It helped to make Nova Scotia’s vaccine rollout more efficient, effective, and widespread.
Why Do We Need a Van?
A major stumbling block for frontline workers in gaining widespread vaccination is accessing communities or individuals who do not have easy means to get to vaccination sites. The majority of people who are able-bodied and willing to get vaccinated will take steps to become vaccinated if they can. There’s always a contingent of people who don't have the willingness or the means to accomplish the goal of vaccination, even if they want it. The mobile units will alleviate that strain. Nova Scotia Health saw the need for mobile vaccination clinics and asked for willing companies to step up to the plate with ideas.
Tri-Star stepped up to that very plate. Tri-Star is based in Yarmouth, a small community in Nova Scotia. Tri-Star has been proudly remodeling vehicles for emergency services since the mid-70s, and their refurbished machines have been delivered to 45 countries to date. When Nova Scotia Health put out the call for companies to build mobile vaccination sites, Tri-Star was quick to heed it.
Tri-Star in Action
Tri-Star immediately set a plan into action that allowed them to work with RAM’s fleet department to source as many ProMaster 3500’s as they could. The excellent fuel economy, huge cargo-hold space, high departure angle, and low load floor make the 3500’s perfect for this type of conversion. The vans with the refit have space and the ability to administer the vaccine to patients, store immunization supplies and documentation and monitoring equipment, allowing health officials the full capabilities of a clinic within a traveling unit.
Under the Hood
But what’s powering the RAM ProMaster 3500 as it makes its way to those tough to reach spots? The 3.6L V6 engine workhorse and tried and true six-speed automatic transmission that Stellantis properties are known for, that powers the 2021 Jeep Wrangler, the 2021 RAM 1500, the Dodge Charger, and the 2021 Chrysler Pacifica.
The Front -Wheel Drive Advantage
Here’s the real kicker though: unlike many of their commercial vehicle counterparts, the RAM ProMaster is a front-wheel-drive vehicle. This means that with the absence of a powertrain in the rear wheels, the van’s floor is lower and its interior space is freed up to allow for just the type of re-fit that Tri-Star has created.
How It’s Going
According to Dr. Robert Strang, chief medical officer of health, “This is an important milestone in our efforts to bring the vaccine to every Nova Scotian.” It’s also one more testament to the versatility of every RAM ProMaster trim. These are a series of vehicles that are just as at home at a job site as it is as a camper conversion van or even a mobile health unit.
Want to see what a RAM ProMaster can do for you? Contact us today for a full rundown on the ins and outs of the RAM ProMaster!