25 Ambulance Fun Facts That Blows Your Mind

Ambulances play a crucial role in providing emergency medical services and transporting patients to hospitals. However, beyond their important function, there are many interesting and surprising facts about ambulance services that many people may not be aware of. From the origins of the word “ambulance” to the use of drones and 5G technology in modern ambulance services, there are plenty of fun facts to discover about this essential aspect of our healthcare system. In this article, we will explore 25 ambulance  fun facts about that are sure to pique your interest and expand your knowledge.

1. The term “ambulance” comes from the French word “ambulant,” meaning “walking or mobile.” This term is still used today to refer to vehicles used to transport people in need of medical care.

Interesting: Myths about ambulance service

2. Ambulances date back to the 15th century when military ambulances were used to transport wounded soldiers. The development of ambulance services helped improve the survival rate of injured soldiers by allowing them to receive medical care more quickly. Read more on ambulance history here.

3. The first civilian ambulance service was started in Cincinnati, Ohio, in 1865. The service was run by the Cincinnati Commercial Hospital and consisted of horse-drawn carriages equipped with medical supplies.

4. The first motorized ambulance was invented in 1899 in Chicago. The vehicle was powered by an electric motor and could travel up to 20 miles per hour.

5. The first ambulance service in the world to use two-way radios was established in 1933 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. This allowed for improved communication between the ambulance and the hospital, as well as quicker response times.

More ambulance fun facts to make your day below!

6. The first air ambulance service in the world was established in Germany in 1928. This allowed for patients to be transported to hospitals quickly, especially in remote or hard-to-reach areas.

7. The first ambulance helicopter was used in the Korean War in 1950. This allowed for faster transport of injured soldiers to hospitals and improved their chances of survival.

8. Ambulance drivers are trained to drive safely and quickly, often using specialized driving techniques like “blocking” to clear the way. This helps ensure that patients receive medical care as quickly as possible.

9. In the UK, the emergency number for an ambulance is 999. This is the number to call in case of a medical emergency and allows for a rapid response from emergency services.

10. In the US, the emergency number for an ambulance is 911. This number allows for quick access to emergency services in case of a medical emergency.

More: Why is ambulance white in colour? 

Keep going for more amazing ambulance fun facts!

11. In some countries, ambulances are required to have a specific color or design, such as the yellow-and-blue design used in Sweden. This helps make them easily recognizable and distinguishable from other vehicles on the road.

12. Ambulances are equipped with a range of medical equipment, including defibrillators, oxygen tanks, and ECG machines. This allows medical staff to provide essential medical care to patients during transport.

13. Some ambulances are specially designed for transporting obese patients. These ambulances have wider doors and reinforced floors to support the weight of larger patients.

14. Some ambulance services use motorcycles or bicycles to quickly reach patients in crowded or congested areas. This allows them to bypass traffic and arrive at the scene of an emergency more quickly. Find out why motorcycle ambulances is good option.

15. In some countries, ambulances are staffed by volunteer paramedics and emergency medical technicians. This helps ensure that medical care is available to those who need it, even in rural or remote areas.

Interested in being paramedics? Find out about ambulance staff qualification here.

16. The average response time for an ambulance in the US is 8 minutes. This can vary depending on factors like traffic, weather conditions, and the severity of the medical emergency.

17. In the UK, ambulances respond to the most serious emergency calls within 8 minutes and 59 seconds. This is known as the “8-minute target” and is a key performance indicator for ambulance services in the UK.

18. The longest distance covered by an ambulance in a single journey is 13,700 miles, from London to Sydney, Australia. This journey was undertaken to raise money for charity.

19. In 2018, a hospital in the UK started using drones to deliver blood to accident and emergency departments. This technology allows medical supplies to be delivered more quickly, especially in hard-to-reach areas.

20. In 2019, an ambulance in the UK was fitted with a 5G router, allowing medical staff to live-stream high-quality video from the ambulance to doctors in the hospital. This technology has the potential to improve communication and coordination between emergency medical services and hospital staff.

Final 5 ambulance fun facts below!

21. In some countries, ambulances are equipped with a special type of bed called a “scoop stretcher,” which allows the patient to be lifted and transported without having to be rolled onto their side. This can be particularly useful for patients with suspected spinal injuries.

22. In the US, some ambulance services are run by private companies, while others are operated by local governments. This can lead to differences in the quality and availability of emergency medical services depending on where a person lives.

23. In the UK, ambulance services are funded by the government and are part of the National Health Service (NHS). This means that all UK residents are entitled to free emergency medical care and ambulance transport.

24. The word “paramedic” comes from the Greek words “para,” meaning “alongside,” and “medic,” meaning “doctor.” This reflects the role of paramedics as healthcare professionals who work alongside doctors and other medical professionals to provide emergency care.

25. In some countries, like Canada and Australia, paramedics are allowed to perform certain medical procedures, such as intubation, suturing, and administering medications, under the direction of a physician. This expanded scope of practice allows paramedics to provide a higher level of care to patients and improve outcomes in emergency situations.

Enjoyed geeking with us on these ambulance fun facts? Let us know if you want more!