Ambulances are vehicles that are equipped to transport patients to healthcare facilities while providing emergency medical treatment if necessary. Ambulances usually respond to medical emergency calls or to transfer patients between two medical facilities. However, the criteria as to what constitutes an ambulance may vary from county to country. Vehicles that meet the need of the organization are converted into emergency vehicles by ambulance converters. Ambulance conversion workshops strip down the required type of vehicle and equip it with the medical fit-outs and other necessary equipment for the safe transfer of patients.
Ambulances can be classified into Type I, Type II, Type III, and Type IV based on the type of vehicle used and the specifications followed. However, ambulances can be classified into well over twenty types based on their functionality.
Based on Vehicle Types:
Type I: Vehicles that have a heavy truck chassis and a customized rear compartment that looks like a box mounted onto the chassis are classified as a Type I ambulance. Most Advanced Life Support (ALS) and Mobile Intensive Care Units (MICU) make use of Type I ambulances. Type I ambulances are also used at airports, chemical plants, and oil refineries.
Type II: Type II ambulances make use of a heavy-duty van-type chassis with slight modifications including a raised roof at the rear and a separate air conditioning unit. These ambulances are primarily used for transferring patients who only require Basic Life Support (BLS) services.
Type III: Type III ambulances are similar to Type I ambulances and use a van-type chassis and a customized rear compartment that looks like a box. Most Advanced Life Support (ALS) and Mobile Intensive Care Units (MICU) make use of Type I ambulances. Type I ambulances are also used at airports, chemical plants, and oil refineries.
Type IV: Type IV ambulances, also called Mini Ambulances are used for patient transfer in areas where it might be difficult for larger vehicle type ambulances to reach such as crowded venues and events, and smaller communities that don’t have good road connections. The chassis of these vehicles depends on their use.
When you are looking to purchase or rent an ambulance, there could be a lot of confusion regarding the best type of ambulance for your needs. Ambulance conversion workshops and consultants are a good source to help you figure out the best solution. The following are a few guidelines that can help make the process easier for you.
Check Your Country’s Local Regulations
Once you have identified the purpose of the ambulance, it is advisable to research the local emergency vehicle regulations of the country you intend to use these vehicles. The regulation boards of some countries might insist on only using certain types of ambulances or certain certifications prior to use. Some counties might have some basic medical equipment that needs to be installed in all ambulances irrespective of their use.
Location of Usage
Identify the geography and terrain where the ambulance will be used the most. This is important as not all models and makes of vehicles are suitable for all types of terrains. The experts at the ambulance conversion workshop that you intend to use will be able to guide you better about the best make and model of the vehicle for the location you intend to deploy the ambulance. It is also important to keep in mind accessibility to workshops in the region in case of maintenance or repair.
Identify Your Budget
Now that you have figured out the type of ambulance that you require, it is important to set a budget for the ambulance conversion. Setting a budget helps not just you, but also the experts at the ambulance conversion workshops to select the best vehicle, equipment, and finish and fabrication that need to go into the ambulance.
Ambulance conversion might feel like a daunting task especially when starting out for the first time. Heal ME Mobility, specializes in not just ambulance conversion, but also other mobile medical units and other related services. Get in touch with us to learn more about ambulance conversion and any other related services that you might require.
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