You can likely relate to the following: You’re cruising down the road without a care in the world when the sound of sirens creeps up from behind. In your rearview mirror, an ambulance zooms towards you, lights flashing. As you pull off, it rushes past, towards its destination. Though we encounter them all the time, most of us aren’t fully aware of what it’s like inside an ambulance. Let’s breakdown how ambulance works, who runs it and what they use to save lives.
Types of ambulance:
An ambulance is a vehicle outfitted with medical supplies, used for transporting both first responders and patients to or from a medical emergency. While they usually take the form of large trucks, a wide variety of vehicles can be used as an ambulance. First responders now make use of land, water, and air to get transport victims. Other commonly used vehicles include:
- Cars: Even if they’re not as well equipped as traditional ambulances, cars can be modified into effective emergency response vehicles if needed. Often called “chase cars,” they are usually used to transport additional EMTs or paramedics to the scene.
- Helicopters: Mostly used in search and rescue, helicopters make for excellent ambulances when the victim is in an otherwise inaccessible area. If the victim requires special treatment, such as a particular antivenom for a snake bite, a helicopter may be needed to get them to a specific hospital as fast as possible.
- Boats: When responding to a boating accident or transporting patients from an island, boats can be put to work as ambulances. This can apply to lifeboats or lifeguard vessels. Cutting across the water on a boat can be much faster than long detours or getting stuck in traffic on a bridge.
- Motorcycles: Though much less common, motorcycles can be used to transport first responders to a crisis if needed. This has the added benefit of being able to weave through stalled traffic, which can cut down on emergency response times drastically. In the UK, volunteer motorcyclists perform emergency deliveries for X-rays, blood, medications, and other vital supplies.
- Buses: During large-scale emergencies such as a natural disaster or conflict, busses can be used to treat and transport mass numbers of patients quickly. With more patients, a larger crew is needed who are trained to handle a variety of emergency situations.
Crew positions
Ambulances are totally pointless without highly trained men and women to crew them. While it can vary depending on the type of ambulance, these are the most common crew positions across the board.
- Dispatcher: Despite not working in the ambulance, dispatchers are a vital part of the entire operation. They act as the primary source of communication between the EMS responders and whoever called for help. Dispatchers collect and keep track of vital information related to the emergency response process.
- Driver: Ambulance drivers are tasked with getting to the scene of the crisis and back in the smallest amount of time possible. This requires them to operate a large heavy vehicle at high speeds without causing another emergency in the process. They are usually one of the onboard EMTs and crew members will often rotate positions as needed.
- EMT or paramedic: These guys are the backbone of the entire operation. Every part of the process is built around getting them where they need to be so they can get to work. They’re the ones rescuing and stabilizing the patient and need to be well trained for a wide range of emergency scenarios. They’ll provide temporary care to the patient while the driver speeds towards the hospital.
Equipment on an ambulance
It wouldn’t be a stretch to call an ambulance a hospital-on-wheels. Until reaching the emergency room, the ambulance must be the next best thing to ensure the patient survives. For paramedics and EMTs to be prepared, the ambulance needs to be loaded with as much medical supplies as possible. Equipment on ambulances often includes, but is not limited to ECG monitors, AEDs, trauma boards, suction units, cervical collars, wheelchairs, ventilators, and much more.
Along with this, EMTs and paramedics make good use of all the classic first aid gear such as bandages, gauze, syringes, and many different types of medication. Because emergencies can happen at any time or place, the vehicle must be stocked with gear needed for a many different situations and for patients of any age. Only the highest quality equipment is used to ensure victims receive top-of-the-line service.
While equipment is a vital part of the EMS process, the first responders themselves are most important. If you’re interested in becoming one, then take a look at Idaho Medical Academy! We offer a world class EMT training program for those brave and bold enough to enter such a field. This gives you the chance to learn EMT basic and advanced skills. With both in-person and online options available you have the freedom and flexibility to learn however you feel most comfortable. Don’t hesitate to visit our website or give us a call today!
