The Oldest Licensed Ambulance in the U.S. Recently Traveled 3,233 Miles Across the Country.

      WSVN-TV

      Traveling from Hollywood, California, to Hollywood, Florida, is quite a distance for a medical appointment, yet a group of doctors and EMTs made the trip in a classic Cadillac ambulance. After covering more than 3,000 miles, they secured a spot in the Guinness World Records.

      Before the attempt at the record for the “longest journey by ambulance” commenced, this reliable vehicle already had a remarkable reputation. As reported by WSVN, the 1972 Miller-Meteor Cadillac holds the title of the oldest licensed ambulance still in operation in the United States.

      Part of the Symbiosis ambulance fleet, which specializes in urgent care and EMS in Southern California, the vehicle is built on the same commercial chassis that has been used for numerous hearses and ambulances. (Ecto-1, the Ghostbusters vehicle, was created by the same manufacturer but was a 1959 “Sentinel” model.)

      Symbiosis collaborated with Axene Continuing Education, a Texas firm that offers emergency medical services (EMS) training, for the Guinness World Records attempt. Although there are quicker means of travel (and faster “ambulances”) to cross the country, the team had an honorable mission. Their aims were two-fold: to raise awareness for first responders and emphasize the importance of ongoing EMS education.

      “This was the ideal opportunity for my students to participate,” stated Dr. Erik Axene in Hollywood, Florida. “In our field, most education tends to be quite dull. [With the record attempt] everyone is engaged and learning something, leading to better patient care and safer communities.”

      To demonstrate their commitment, Axene taught a new course on cardiac patient care to firefighters and EMTs upon their arrival in Florida. However, the educational interactions weren’t limited to just the Floridians. The officially documented journey spanned 3,233 miles, beginning on March 1 and taking nine days to finish, with both planned and unexpected stops along the way.

      Symbiosis shared the entire experience through an Instagram Highlight, showcasing challenges like a failed power steering in Arizona, dust storms in Texas, a cold snap in Arkansas, and rain in Florida. Preparing for a road trip is crucial, but some factors remain beyond control.

      Nonetheless, the doctors and medics adapted to the circumstances (which is essentially part of their job). They made pit stops for curious onlookers, scheduled meetings with local EMS teams, formed connections with roadside mechanics, and enjoyed plenty of takeout and drive-thru meals—turning the trip into an adventure rather than a simple commute. It was a bonus that they set a world record and acknowledged first responders throughout the journey. One lingering question remains: What is the cost of the ambulance bill, and who will cover it?

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