Ambulances

Types

• Patient transport ambulance — carries a stretcher patient who does not need active medical care on the way.
• Basic life support (BLS) ambulance — equipped with oxygen, a stretcher and basic first-aid equipment.
• Advanced life support (ALS) ambulance — adds a monitor, defibrillator, ventilator and drug storage.
• Neonatal ambulance — carries an infant transport incubator for newborns.
• Mortuary van — a vehicle for transporting the deceased, with a cold-chamber option.
• Mobile medical unit — a larger vehicle fitted as a clinic or diagnostic unit.

What to check before buying

• Base vehicle make and model, such as van or tempo traveller, and its availability of service.
• Conformity with the applicable ambulance design code for that category, often referred to as AIS-125, along with approval from the transport authority.
• Fit-out list: stretcher, oxygen cylinder, suction, lights, siren, beacon, and storage.
• Interior material that is easy to clean, and ventilation, lighting and power backup.
• Registration as an ambulance, permit, and the builder's capacity to handle paperwork.
• Warranty on both vehicle and fit-out, service network and a GST invoice.

Who buys them

Hospitals, nursing homes, NGOs, trusts, housing societies, factories, schools and government health facilities.

Frequently asked questions

Which ambulance type do I need?

Pick patient transport for routine movement, BLS for first response and ALS where trained staff can use advanced equipment. A higher category needs more equipment and staff.

Who does the fit-out?

Specialist builders convert a base vehicle, and the supplier should tell you whether approvals are included in the quote.

Does an ambulance need special registration?

Yes, it needs registration and body approval as an ambulance under motor vehicle rules, so confirm the steps with your supplier and local transport office.