An automated medication dispensing unit for a medical response vehicle (MRV) is provided. The unit includes a base medication dispensing unit for containing medication； a portable medication dispensing unit removeably secured to the base medication unit and containing an initial supply of medication； and a controller electronically coupled to the base medication unit and the portable medication dispensing unit which controls access to the respective base medication dispensing unit and the portable medication dispensing unit. In addition, the controller is configured for inventory management of the base medication dispensing unit and the portable medication dispensing unit. The controller may be an electronic mobile device. A method for dispensing medication from an MRV and a system for dispensing, restocking, and reordering medication are also provided.
