25 Ambulance Services Myths and Misconceptions: Separating Fact from Fiction

Ambulance services play a critical role in the healthcare system by providing emergency medical care, ambulance standby and patient transportation to those in need. However, there are many ambulance services myths and misconceptions surrounding ambulance services that can lead to confusion and misunderstandings. Some of these myths involve the capabilities of ambulance crews, while others concern the circumstances under which ambulance services can be utilized. By dispelling these myths and increasing awareness of the capabilities and limitations of ambulance services, individuals can better understand how to access and utilize emergency medical services when necessary.

Here are some ambulance services myths and misconceptions  you might be curious about:

1. Myth: Ambulance crews are always accompanied by police officers.

Fact: Ambulance crews do not require police escorts unless the situation involves a potential threat to the crew or the public.

2. Myth: Ambulance crews can perform surgeries in the field.

Fact: Ambulance crews are not equipped to perform surgeries, and patients requiring surgery will need to be transported to a hospital.

3. Myth: Ambulance crews are only staffed by men.

Fact: Ambulance crews can include men and women, and many ambulance services actively recruit women.

4. Myth: Ambulance crews always use stretchers to transport patients.

Fact: Ambulance crews may use wheelchairs, chairs, or other equipment to transport patients if it is safe and appropriate to do so.

5. Myth: Ambulance crews are only called for emergencies.

Fact: Ambulance crews can also be called for non-emergency situations, such as transporting patients to doctor’s appointments or medical treatments.

More: Check out this qualifications of ambulance staff to discover that they are more than just a driver!

Caught your attention by far? Check out more of these ambulance services myths and misconceptions  below!

6. Myth: Ambulance crews can only transport one patient at a time.

Fact: Ambulance crews can transport multiple patients at once, although the number of patients will depend on the type and size of the ambulance.

7. Myth: Ambulance crews cannot provide emotional support to patients.

Fact: Ambulance crews are trained to provide emotional support to patients and their families during medical emergencies.

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8. Myth: Ambulance crews always transport patients to the hospital by ambulance.

Fact: Depending on the patient’s medical needs, ambulance crews may transport patients to the hospital by helicopter or other air transport.

9. Myth: Ambulance crews are not allowed to transport patients across state lines.

Fact: Ambulance crews can transport patients across state lines, although there may be additional regulations and requirements to follow.

10. Myth: Ambulance crews only work for private ambulance companies.

Fact: Ambulance crews can work for private companies or for public services, such as fire departments or hospitals.

More: Ambulance in Malaysia started a long time ago. Read more here.

11. Myth: Ambulance crews can only transport patients who are conscious.

Fact: Ambulance crews can transport unconscious patients, and they are trained to provide care for patients who are unconscious or unresponsive.

12. Myth: Ambulance crews cannot transport patients who are in police custody.

Fact: Ambulance crews can transport patients who are in police custody, although there may be additional protocols and procedures to follow.

13. Myth: Ambulance crews cannot administer medications without a doctor’s order.

Fact: Ambulance crews can administer certain medications, such as pain medication or medications to treat allergic reactions, without a doctor’s order.

Interesting: Ambulance crossing red traffic lights. Why are they able to do so?

More on ambulance services myths and misconceptions  below. 

14. Myth: Ambulance crews are not equipped to handle mental health emergencies.

Fact: Many ambulance crews are trained to handle mental health emergencies and can provide emergency psychiatric care.

15. Myth: Ambulance crews do not work with hospice or palliative care patients.

Fact: Ambulance crews can work with hospice and palliative care patients, and they can provide transport to and from hospice facilities or palliative care programs.

16. Myth: Ambulance crews can only transport patients within their local area.

Fact: Ambulance crews can transport patients to hospitals or healthcare facilities outside of their local area if necessary.

17. Myth: Ambulance crews cannot transport patients who are on life support.

Fact: Ambulance crews can transport patients who are on life support, but they may require additional equipment and staff to do so.

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18. Myth: Ambulance crews can provide long-term care to patients.

Fact: Ambulance crews are not equipped to provide long-term care, and patients who require ongoing medical care will need to be transferred to a hospital or other healthcare facility.

19. Myth: Ambulance crews cannot provide care to patients with disabilities.

Fact: Ambulance crews can provide care to patients with disabilities, and many ambulance services have specialized equipment and training to assist these patients.

20. Myth: Ambulance crews cannot transport patients who require oxygen.

Fact: Ambulance crews can transport patients who require oxygen, and they have the equipment and training to manage oxygen therapy during transport.

21. Myth: Ambulance crews cannot provide care to patients who are pregnant.

Fact: Ambulance crews can provide care to pregnant patients, and they have specialized training to manage pregnancy-related emergencies.

22. Myth: Ambulance crews cannot transport patients who are overweight or obese.

Fact: Ambulance crews can transport patients who are overweight or obese, and they have equipment and techniques to assist with the safe transport of these patients.

23. Myth: Ambulance crews cannot provide care to patients who do not speak the same language as the crew.

Fact: Ambulance crews can provide care to patients who speak different languages, and many ambulance services have translators or language assistance services available.

24. Myth: Ambulance crews are not trained to handle medical emergencies in children.

Fact: Many ambulance crews have specialized training to manage medical emergencies in children, and some ambulance services have pediatric transport teams.

25. Myth: Ambulance crews are not equipped to handle medical emergencies in remote or wilderness areas.

Fact: Many ambulance services have specialized equipment and training to manage medical emergencies in remote or wilderness areas, and they may work in conjunction with search and rescue teams.

Think there’s more ambulance services myths and misconceptions  that you’ve heard of and need some answers to? Reach out to us! Meanwhile, here’s some fun facts of ambulance that you might want to know!