The modern ambulance fleet comprises of a huge range of vehicles, including:
- Emergency van: the emergency van is the most commonly used emergency vehicle and the image most of us conjure up when somebody mentions the word ambulance. The van is kitted out with a large range of equipment and it has space for the patient and the paramedic to move around. The ambulance is clearly marked with neon markings, ambulance signs and blue flashing lights; ambulances also have loud sirens.
- Rapid response units (usually estate or 4×4 cars): many ambulance services now use rapid response cars, as they can often get to the scene of an accident or injury quicker than an ambulance. The paramedic can then treat the patient while they wait for the ambulance to arrive and then patient can then be taken to hospital in the ambulance.
- Air ambulance: the air ambulance is very important; it often tends to patients who are very ill or seriously injured and do not have enough time left to wait for an ambulance to arrive. The helicopter can travel much quicker than an ambulance and it does not have to worry about traffic jams. Helicopters are also useful when a person has been injured or fallen ill in a location which is difficult to reach by road.
- Bikes: bikes are becoming an increasingly common sight in city centres. Bikes can offer first aid treatment and are able to travel quickly through built-up areas. Paramedics on bikes can attend scenes and offer treatment to patients while the ambulance is on its way.
- Motorbikes: motorbikes are useful for road traffic accidents because they can weave through traffic. This enables paramedics on bikes to reach the scene quickly and they can then treat the patient while they wait for the ambulance to come and take them to hospital.
- Golf buggies (these are usually used at sporting events, as they enable paramedics to travel quickly and manoeuvre through large crowds).
Vehicles in other countries
In some countries, other vehicles are used to cater for difficult geographical locations; examples of vehicles include:
- Boats: often used in areas with extensive waterways, such as Venice and island communities.
- Quad bikes: these are used in countries with mountainous terrain
- Aircrafts: the emergency aircraft is often synonymous with Australia, thanks to the famous series, The Flying Doctors. Aircrafts are useful in large countries when it takes a long time to drive to major towns.
