Nursing journal, Vol. 31 No. 2, 2026.
Stručni rad
https://doi.org/10.11608/sgnj.31.2.8
Sustainability of medical transport and the feasibility of electric vehicle implementation
Mario Sambolec
; specijalist u djelatnosti hitne medicine, Žarovnica 154 A, 42 250 Lepoglava
*
Marija Zver Sambolec
; studentica Menadžmenta uredskog poslovanja, Žarovnica 154 A, 42 250 Lepoglava
* Dopisni autor.
Sažetak
Introduction: In recent years, the concept of sustainability has been increasingly mentioned in all sectors, including healthcare. Medical transport in the Republic of Croatia is recording a steady increase in requests and mileage, which directly increases environmental pollution caused by diesel engines. This paper aims to demonstrate how the principles of sustainable business, specifically the introduction of hybrid and electric medical vehicles, can be applied in practice in a way that allows the system to continue functioning effectively while reducing costs and environmental impact.
Methods: The paper was prepared using relevant domestic and foreign literature available in electronic and printed formats, with an emphasis on scientific databases and operational statistical data. All collected data were processed descriptively and synthesized through qualitative content analysis, without the application of statistical methods.
Results: Logistics analysis confirms a high energy burden, with diesel fuel accounting for 75% of total consumption. Transitioning to electric vehicles is immediately feasible on predictable routes such as dialysis and community nursing, lowering long-term costs and noise. Main challenges include limited battery range under the load of medical equipment and a lack of fast chargers at hospitals. Discussion: Implementing electric vehicles requires staff education on eco-driving and overcoming internal resistance to achieve optimal savings. While successful European and regional examples utilize cohesion funds and clear strategies, transition in Croatia is hindered by a lack of institutional frameworks. The solution lies in mandatory "Green Plans" and systemic emission tracking co-funded by EU funds.
Conclusion: There are numerous benefits to introducing electric vehicles into medical transport, and their implementation in the Republic of Croatia is feasible with transport reorganization, staff education, and the expansion of charging infrastructure. Due to the existing technical obstacles and the demanding equipment requirements in emergency services, testing the functionality and introducing electric medical vehicles should primarily begin within non-emergency medical transport, specifically for predictable, routine transports along a designated route, such as transporting patients for dialysis.
Ključne riječi
medical transport; electric vehicles; sustainability in medical transport; ecology; electric ambulances
Hrčak ID:
350215
URI
Datum izdavanja:
15.8.2026.
Posjeta: 0 *