Getting to Know Ambulance Cars, From Definition to Cars Suitable for Use as Ambulances

Ambulance vehicles play an important role in our lives. Without them, we would not be able to take someone in critical condition to the hospital. Ambulances are not only owned by hospitals. Several organizations and humanitarian agencies also have them.

In this article, we will provide some interesting information about ambulances. From definitions to recommendations for vehicles suitable to be used as ambulances. You can find that information as follows!

Definition of Ambulance

Linguistically, the term ambulance comes from the Latin word ambulare which means "to move or walk." The use of this name is inspired by the steps taken to care for patients transported by ambulance.

In general, an ambulance can be defined as a vehicle equipped with medical equipment. This vehicle will be used to transport sick individuals or those who have been injured in an accident.

In addition to being equipped with medical equipment inside, ambulances are also equipped with several features on the exterior. These features include rotating lights and sirens. These two features help ambulances to navigate through traffic jams.

When the siren is used, other vehicles blocking the ambulance must immediately move aside. Ambulances are also one of the vehicles allowed to violate traffic signs, including red lights.

History of Ambulance

Ambulances have existed since the 14th century when field hospitals were still prominent. Initially, ambulances were in the form of carts pulled by horses. These carts contained various medical tools used at that time, such as stomach pumps, splints, brandy, and morphine.

At that time, ambulances were only used to transport wounded soldiers. The soldiers were then taken to hospitals. If not, it was the ambulance that brought medical personnel to the wounded soldiers.

Since the 1800s, ambulances have undergone several developments, evolving into what we see today. Currently, ambulances are generally white vehicles. Abroad, ambulances are not only in the form of cars. There are also ambulances in the form of helicopters.

Ambulance Owners in Indonesia

In Indonesia, ambulances are not only owned by government or private hospitals. Several health and humanitarian agencies also own them, such as Basarnas, fire departments, PMI, and Puskesmas.

Functions of Ambulance

In general, the main function of an ambulance is to transport patients from one location to a hospital. The patients transported can be those suffering from severe illnesses or those who have been involved in road accidents.

However, specifically, ambulances have more specific functions. These specific functions depend greatly on the type of ambulance itself. In Indonesia, ambulances are divided into three types: Emergency Ambulance, Transport Ambulance, and Funeral Car.

Emergency Ambulance

This type of ambulance, also known as medical emergency, functions to transport patients in very critical conditions, such as victims of severe traffic accidents. In several cities in Indonesia, this type of ambulance can be accessed for free in case of emergencies.

Emergency ambulances are further divided into two types: general emergency ambulances and special emergency ambulances. There is not much drastic difference between the two. The difference lies only in the special medical equipment that is only available in special emergency ambulances.

Regardless of the type, emergency ambulances must contain two personnel. The first personnel is a trained driver with Basic Life Support (BLS) knowledge. The second personnel is an ambulance officer and a nurse with life-saving skills.

Transport Ambulance

Unlike the previous two types of ambulances, this type tends to be lighter in terms of load. This ambulance does not carry corpses or patients in critical condition. This ambulance only transports patients who are going for treatment at a certain place, whether it be a hospital or a clinic.

Transport ambulances can take various forms, whether it be a van, standard car, or even a motorcycle or horse. The form of the transport ambulance greatly depends on the area it comes from. For example, if the area is difficult to access with four-wheeled vehicles, then the transport ambulance can take the form of a motorcycle or horse.

Currently, there is a new type of transport ambulance circulating in society. The Charity Ambulance is what we mean. This type of ambulance is generally owned by non-profit organizations (such as NGOs) and is commonly used for charity activities.

Vehicles Suitable for Ambulance

Currently, there are many vehicles suitable for use as ambulances, especially transport ambulances. Typically, the vehicles commonly used are minibus-type vehicles.

This is reasonable because this type of vehicle is suitable due to its spacious capacity. It is suitable for accommodating patients along with the necessary medical equipment. Among the various minibus vehicles available, Luxio and GranMax MB are two recommended vehicles.

Luxio

This is a minibus produced by Daihatsu that was originally designed as a passenger vehicle. Therefore, it is not surprising that this vehicle is commonly used for public transportation, including as an ambulance.

In Indonesia, Luxio is available in three types: D, M, and X. Type D is the most standard type of Luxio. Meanwhile, M and X are more advanced types of Luxio in terms of features.

If you want to use Luxio as a transport ambulance, types M and X are the most recommended. This is because these types have a second-row seat that can be adjusted.

Both types are also equipped with a base and net suitable for storing medical equipment. In the market, Luxio is sold at a price range of Rp 204 million - Rp 233 million.

Gran Max MB

Like Luxio, this minibus is also a product of Daihatsu. This vehicle was initially intended as a commercial vehicle. However, over time, Gran Max MB can also be used as an ambulance.

This is due to its spacious interior, suitable for accommodating patients or corpses. There are two types of Gran Max MB, namely blind van and passenger car. If you want to use this vehicle as an ambulance, then the passenger car type is the right choice.

Like Luxio, the rear seats of this vehicle can also be removed. You just need to turn a few bolts. However, the rear seats in Gran Max MB can be arranged to face each other or all facing forward.

Gran Max MB is equipped with VVT-i, which makes its fuel consumption more efficient. Gran Max is also relatively easy to maintain.

For those of you who need a fuel-efficient and easy-to-maintain ambulance, Gran Max MB seems suitable for purchase. Its price is also relatively cheaper than Luxio, around Rp 171 million - Rp 187 million.

That is the list of information about ambulance vehicles. From definitions to vehicles suitable to be used as ambulances. Hopefully, it is useful!

Author: Anggie Warsito