You probably know that ambulances are designed to take critically ill patients to the hospital. However, you may be unaware of the other facets of ambulance service. Here are four things that ambulance transport providers can do:
1. Transport sick and injured people in emergency situations
When an emergency occurs, a sick or injured person needs swift medical treatment. The patient may be unable to transport themselves to the hospital. An ambulance can provide emergency transportation. Ambulances can get a critically sick or injured person to the hospital faster than any other vehicle because ambulances have special permission to break the rules of the road. If you or someone nearby has a medical emergency, you can call 911 to have an ambulance dispatched to your location.
2. Assess and treat patients
While hospitalization is often required in emergencies, immediate care is crucial. Ambulances are staffed by paramedics trained to provide first aid. When an ambulance arrives at a location, the paramedics will locate the patient. They will assess the patient, making a preliminary diagnosis that will determine what treatments are required. The paramedics will safely move the patient into the ambulance, starting life-saving treatment that will keep the person stable until the ambulance reaches the hospital. Pain-relieving medication may be administered during this time to keep patients calm and comfortable.
3. Locate and travel to the nearest hospital
Paramedics' primary concern is preserving the lives and health of the people they transport. To that end, an ambulance driver will take patients to the nearest hospital. When you take an emergency trip in an ambulance, you will not get to choose your destination. However, you will be taken to an emergency room where doctors will treat you.
4. Provide non-emergency ambulance transport
Ambulance services also provide non-emergency transport for people who can't get to the doctor any other way. Some people have conditions that prevent them from being able to ride in a car. They may need to be hooked up to special machines that cannot be transported using a typical vehicle. Non-emergency ambulance transport is often required for people who need dialysis.
If you need non-emergency transport, don't call 911. Instead, contact an ambulance service provider directly. You'll need to schedule the transport in advance, so call as soon as you have a date for your doctor's appointment. Non-emergency ambulance service is provided by paramedics who will keep medically infirm people safe en route to their doctor's appointment.
