A non-emergency ambulance service transports people who are ill or injured to a medical center but are not in critical condition. This service is needed to transport people who need transportation but cannot drive themselves. The non-emergency ambulance service fills a very important role for the community and emergency services, as it provides an alternative method of getting to the hospital when no emergency exists in the international air ambulance.
Transporting someone who is ill or injured to a medical center often requires more than just a vehicle. Non-emergency ambulance services sometimes need medical devices to ensure the safety of their patients. But not all non-emergency services keep the same kind of equipment in their ambulances.
While non-emergency medical transportation in Georgia might have wheelchair services, it may not include defibrillators, while those in Maine may. There is, of course, some equipment that must be present in all non-emergency medical vehicles, and they are:
Wheelchairs
Wheelchairs are a common piece of equipment that can be used in non-emergency medicine. A wheelchair is a portable device that provides mobility to people who cannot walk without assistance. People who would commonly use wheelchairs include those with an injury, disability, or weakness in the legs. Wheelchairs are also used to transport patients from one location to another—for example, to and from hospitals, nursing homes, doctor appointments, and other medical facilities.
Stretchers
A stretcher is a piece of equipment that allows you to safely move someone from one location to another. Stretchers can be manually or electronically controlled, depending on the patient. They are used for patients who cannot sit up or walk, and they’re commonly used in hospitals as well as by non-emergency ambulance services.
Suction Machines
Suction machines are used for removing mucus from the mouth and throat. They can be used for patients who have difficulty breathing, but they are especially important in emergencies. Because suction machines are so important to keep in an ambulance, the staff must know how to use them properly.
Suction machines come with instructions on how to operate them, but if you’re not sure how to use a particular model of suction machine, ask another EMT or call your local ambulance service.
Defibrillators
Defibrillators are devices that can restart the heart when it has stopped beating. They’re used in emergencies and by trained paramedics, but they can also be used by laypeople. A defibrillator is most effective when it’s used early on in a patient’s condition—when their heart has just stopped beating.Â
There are different types of defibrillators for use in different circumstances: some are best for patients with cardiac arrest caused by ventricular fibrillation, while others may be more appropriate for those experiencing ventricular tachycardia or other rhythms that aren’t as life-threatening as fibrillation.
Oxygen Tanks
It’s important to note that the amount of oxygen delivered is not necessarily proportional to the amount of pressure used. Pressure-reducing valves, regulators, and flow meters are used to control how much oxygen is allowed into the patient’s mask or nasal cannula system.
The tanks have a gauge that monitors their contents, so you know when it’s time to refill them. They can sometimes be transported by hand or on a cart, depending on their size and weight (some weigh up to 60 pounds).
First Aid Kits
First aid kits should contain all the essential equipment needed to treat a variety of injuries. They should be up to date, complete, and stored in a cool, dark, and dry place. The kit should be accessible to first responders at all times and easy for one person to carry.
A good first aid kit should be able to open with little effort so that it can be used while the responder is moving quickly or has injured hands. It should also close easily with one hand when opened so that it doesn’t become stuck on something else during transport.
Conclusion
The type of equipment non-emergency services need depends on the patient’s needs. Non-emergency ambulances often have the same type of equipment, such as oxygen masks and stretchers. Some non-emergency services may also use specialized medical devices for more complex cases.
Some non-emergency ambulances use wheelchairs or walkers to help patients get from place to place safely. Wheelchairs and walking aids can be especially helpful if your patient is confined to bed or cannot stand on their own due to age or health issues.
Sometimes a wheelchair isn’t enough—There may be a need for something more advanced like a bedside commode when going into homes where there aren’t toilets available nearby (for example, people who live in rural areas). Other times someone might need additional support during transport when carrying someone with severe injuries or elderly patients who have trouble walking, for example.
