Ambulance services provide life-saving emergency transport for patients needing urgent medical care. This guide covers types of ambulances, when to call, costs, and how they work globally.
Types of Ambulances & Services
| Type | Purpose | Equipment |
| Basic Life Support (BLS) | Non-critical cases (minor injuries, transfers) | First aid kits, oxygen, stretchers |
| Advanced Life Support (ALS) | Serious emergencies (heart attacks, strokes) | Defibrillators, IV meds, cardiac monitors |
| Neonatal/Pediatric | Infants & children needing specialised care | Incubators, child-sized equipment |
| Air Ambulance | Long-distance/remote emergencies (helicopters/planes) | ICU-level care, ventilators |
| Mental Health Ambulance | Psychiatric crises (suicidal ideation, severe anxiety) | Trained mental health professionals |
When to Call an Ambulance?
Call Immediately For:
✔ Chest pain/heart attack signs (arm/jaw pain, sweating)
✔ Difficulty breathing/choking
✔ Sudden paralysis or slurred speech (stroke symptoms)
✔ Severe bleeding / major trauma
✔ Unconsciousness/seizures lasting >5 mins
Non-Emergency Ambulance Use:
- Hospital transfers(between facilities)
- Disabled/elderly patient transport(for dialysis, chemo)
⚠ Do NOT call for: Minor cuts, mild fevers, or chronic pain (use taxis/ride-share instead).
How Ambulance Services Work
- Dial Emergency Number(e.g., 911, 112, 108 in India).
- Dispatcher Assesses Urgency– Sends BLS or ALS unit.
- On-Scene Care– Paramedics stabilise the patient.
- Transport to Hospital– Chooses the nearest appropriate facility.
- Handoff to ER– Medical records shared with doctors.
Response Time:
- Urban areas–15 mins (avg.)
- Rural areas:20+ mins (varies widely)
