Ambulance Chasers: Vehicles In Hot Pursuit

Ambulances are vehicles used to transport patients to and from medical facilities, as well as to provide on-site treatment in the event of an emergency. In addition to the standard ambulances that we see on the road, there are various other types of ambulances designed to navigate different terrains and serve specific purposes. These include all-terrain vehicles (ATVs), helicopters, motorcycles, boats, and even bicycles, which can access areas that larger ambulances cannot.

First Responder Ambulance: Smaller, faster vehicles that can reach the scene of an accident quicker than a large ambulance

First responder vehicles are smaller, faster vehicles that can reach the scene of an accident quicker than a large ambulance. They are used to respond to medical emergencies and can rapidly transport paramedics and other first responders, carry equipment for administering emergency care, and transport patients to hospital.

First responder vehicles can take many forms, including motorcycles, cars, bicycles, and even all-terrain vehicles. They are particularly useful in urban areas, as they can navigate through heavy traffic much faster than a car or van. In pedestrian-only areas, bicycles are often used as first responder vehicles, as large vehicles find access difficult. Similarly, all-terrain vehicles are used for off-road responses, especially at events or in remote areas.

First responder vehicles are also used in the developing world, where more traditional methods of transport include horse and cart, used much like a motorcycle or bicycle stretcher unit to transport patients to a local clinic.

First responder vehicles are an important part of the emergency response system, providing rapid assistance and care to those in need.

Advanced Life Support Ambulance: Equipped with advanced medical equipment to treat and transport critically ill or injured patients

An Advanced Life Support Ambulance (ALS) is equipped with advanced medical equipment to treat and transport critically ill or injured patients. These ambulances are sometimes called mobile ICUs due to the advanced medical equipment on board to treat a wide range of life-threatening conditions.

The ALS ambulance is designed to provide life-saving protocols and skills that extend basic life support to further support the circulation and provide an open airway and adequate ventilation. The key aspects of ALS-level care include rapid sequence induction, cardiac rhythm monitoring, cardioversion and defibrillation, transcutaneous pacing, intravenous cannulation, intraosseous access and infusion, surgical cricothyrotomy, needle thoracostomy, and advanced medication administration.

The crew on an ALS ambulance will have advanced medical training in treating patients with serious medical conditions and using the equipment on board. They are qualified to administer a wider range of life-saving drugs and medications than crews on other types of ambulances. ALS ambulances are typically used for emergency care and can be based on a variety of vehicle types, including trucks, vans, motorcycles, and even aircraft.

In the United States, ALS ambulances are referred to as Advanced Life Support and are often staffed by paramedics and EMTs. In Canada, paramedics may be certified in either Advanced Care Paramedic (ACP) or basic life support (Primary Care Paramedic-PCP). In the United Kingdom, paramedics are registered healthcare professionals qualified to provide ALS-level care.

The ALS ambulance plays a crucial role in providing advanced medical care and transporting critically ill or injured patients to appropriate medical facilities.

Basic Life Support Ambulance: Used for non-life-threatening emergencies, with equipment to treat minor traumas and non-life-threatening conditions

Basic Life Support (BLS) ambulances are used for non-life-threatening emergencies and are equipped to treat minor traumas and non-threatening conditions. BLS ambulances provide emergency medical services, using basic equipment and techniques to stabilise patients before they are transported to a hospital or medical facility. BLS ambulances are typically staffed with two Emergency Medical Technicians (EMTs) who are licensed and trained to assess and treat patients, provide life-saving interventions, and transport patients safely.

EMTs are trained to monitor a patient's vital signs, including pulse, blood pressure, oxygen saturation levels, and level of consciousness. They can also administer oxygen when needed. BLS ambulances are equipped with essential medical equipment, including oxygen, automatic external defibrillators (AEDs), and basic airway management tools. AEDs are crucial for patients experiencing cardiac arrest, as they can improve survival outcomes. BLS ambulances also carry equipment for basic airway management and respiratory issues, such as bag-mask ventilation with high-flow oxygen.

BLS services are often used for non-emergency or inter-facility transfers, including inter-hospital, air ambulance, and long-distance transports. They are also suitable for scheduled medical appointments, non-life-threatening emergency room visits, and transporting patients who require non-life-threatening injury or illness transport. BLS ambulances provide routine inter-facility transports of medically stable patients between healthcare facilities and offer transportation for non-ambulatory patients being discharged from the hospital.

The focus of BLS transport services is on patient comfort and monitoring the patient's condition and vital signs during transport. BLS ambulances are typically staffed by nationally registered and state-certified EMTs who have undergone comprehensive training programmes. This includes hands-on training in patient care, treatment standards, driver operations, and customer relations. BLS EMTs are capable of managing life-threatening situations that may arise during transport within the scope of their practice.

Motorcycle Ambulance: Used to reach patients in hard-to-reach locations, with limited equipment to stabilise patients until a larger ambulance arrives

Motorcycle ambulances are used to reach patients in hard-to-reach locations. They are often deployed in busy, built-up areas where larger ambulances or cars may struggle to get through. They are able to reach patients quickly and administer life-saving treatment while a larger ambulance is on its way.

Motorcycle ambulances are equipped with limited medical equipment to stabilise patients until a larger ambulance arrives. They carry life-saving equipment, including defibrillators, which are used to restart a patient's heart in the event of cardiac arrest. They may also carry basic but important medical items like bandages, drips, medication and syringes.

Motorcycle ambulances have been used in London since 1991, proving their worth in busy and congested areas. They are often the first paramedics on the scene, notably responding to the Westminster terror attack in 2017.

Boat Ambulance: Used in coastal areas and cities with major waterways, to transport patients from nearby islands, boats, and oil rigs

In coastal areas and cities with major waterways, boat ambulances are used to transport patients from nearby islands, boats, and oil rigs. These vessels are designed to provide medical assistance and patient transport over water, serving as a critical component of emergency medical services in maritime environments.

Boat ambulances vary in size and capacity depending on the type of waterways they navigate and the nature of the medical emergencies they respond to. They can be equipped with advanced life support equipment, such as automated respirators, monitor-defibrillators, and pharmaceuticals, as well as basic life support equipment for non-emergency situations.

The design of boat ambulances prioritises patient care and durability. They are constructed using materials like reinforced fibreglass, with features such as onboard medical equipment, patient beds, and seating for medical personnel. These vessels are also eco-friendly, reflecting a commitment to sustainability in emergency services.

The advantages of boat ambulances lie in their ability to provide timely medical interventions in hard-to-reach areas. They can navigate diverse conditions, from calm lakes to rough seas, ensuring that patients receive necessary care while being transported to medical facilities.

Boat ambulances are an essential part of the emergency response system in coastal communities and cities with extensive waterways, ensuring that medical attention is swiftly available on the water.

Frequently asked questions