Are you injured? In many cases, you’ll probably need an ambulance.
Ambulances have become a key part of the world. Sometimes, it is impossible to get to the hospital without assistance. This is what the ambulance is here for.
There are many types of emergency services to make sure you can get the medical help you need. Read further to learn about how the ambulance came to be and where it is now.
History
The ambulance industry has expanded over the years. To help you learn more about the ambulance, it will be helpful to dive into the history. How did it ever come to be?
In ancient times, there was no such thing as an ambulance. When people were sick, the doctor often had to pay a house visit. If this wasn’t the case, the patient would have to be carried to the doctor.
This was an inconvenient and slow process.
During the Napoleon Wars, Dominique Jean Larrey developed a lightweight wagon that could go across the battlefields and carry wounded soldiers to the hospital.
For a while, the ambulance was used for army purposes. That changed in 1864 under the Ambulance Corp Act of 1864. It was now the responsibility of the medical department.
Here are some quick facts:
- The first motorized ambulance was developed in 1899
- The first air ambulance was a hot air balloon
In 1973, the EMS Systems Act was created to guide how an ambulance should be designed and equipped.
Now that you know the background of the ambulance, it’s time to look into the different types of ambulance services there are today.
Types of Ambulances
The Ground Ambulance
This is the one you see on the roads that you have to pull over for. To an outsider, they may seem like they all serve the same purpose, but some of the vehicles are special.
There are a few main types of ground ambulances. One type is basic life support. This is for non-life-threatening emergencies.
Say you just broke your arm and have no other way to get to the hospital. This type will serve as transportation. The vehicle has some basic medical equipment such as hospital beds and pulse oximeters to get you there.
Another type of ambulance is advanced life support. As it sounds, this is when the situation is life-threatening, and the patient will need emergency services right away before they can get to the hospital.
If you go to a concert or football game and you see the ambulances already stationed, these are what you call the MVA logistics unit ambulance.
The Air Ambulance
The air ambulance is used for quick transportation. These are helicopters or airplanes.
Say you break your leg on a mountain. How do you expect to get down? This is often when the air ambulance comes in.
These are also often used for people who live in remote places where the closest hospital is not close.
Stay Safe
No one wants to need an ambulance. However, if you must, it is good to know the different types of ambulances and the purposes they serve.
If you liked learning more about the ambulance, check out our automotive section!
