How MedSpeeders supported a health system after a large fire

MedSpeed received an urgent notification from a large health system customer in Minnesota: a fire in their sterile processing department (SPD) had caused significant damage. The SPD was critical for sterilizing medical instruments, and they needed immediate logistical support to transport SPD totes to alternate locations for sterilization.

The customer developed a plan to redirect sterilization tasks to alternative sites and MedSpeed adapted to execute this plan. Our Hub Operations Manager took charge – organizing resources, communicating schedules and managing real-time adjustments. His proactive approach ensured seamless operations and kept both the MedSpeed Logistics Service Representatives (LSRs)–MedSpeed’s term for our drivers–and our customer informed and aligned.

With over 20 LSRs from nearby launch locations stepping in, the entire team worked in sync. In less than three hours, a modified schedule was in place, and by 7 p.m. that same evening, operations began. Within 15 hours, a fully implemented schedule ensured uninterrupted support for our customer’s sterilization needs.

From staffing dedicated routes to handling direct, sensitive movements in large vans, MedSpeed’s response required agility and precise coordination. Work orders were created and communication with both the LSRs and the customer’s team ensuring alignment. “I am so proud of our entire team. Our LSRs exhibited exceptional dedication, often taking on overtime shifts to maintain the critical flow of sterilized instruments,” said Katie O’Brien, MedSpeed’s Minnesota General Manager who was overseeing the team that stepped up in this situation.

The fire was contained the same day, but the extensive damage left the SPD unusable for 22 days. The support the MedSpeed team provided during this time was highly dynamic. In the early days, MedSpeed completed a minimum of 22 dedicated movements per day, covering at least 45 miles each way per route. At other times, the MedSpeed team had fewer movements and lower volumes of SPD.

Despite the unpredictability, MedSpeed ensured that the resources and vehicles were always available to respond. This preparation played a key role in the customer’s ability to continue treating patients, including trauma cases, despite the temporary loss of their sterilization room.

Their gratitude was evident, and the seamless support reinforced the value of our six-year partnership. We are grateful for the team’s ability to adapt quickly, innovate, and prioritize patient care. Their dedication to ensuring seamless service enables MedSpeed and our customers to navigate unexpected situations with confidence.