In early December, an ambulance was stolen in Columbia County, Florida, and following a police pursuit, in a bizarre conclusion to the chase, the ambulance came to a stop on, of all places, the front lawn of the Sheriff’s Department. It was highlighted by many as a story you just couldn’t make up.
A story we don’t have to make up is the rate of ambulance thefts that occur around the country. Over the last 3 months, the AAA/AIMHI Media Tracker has recorded a total of 28 stolen ambulances.
The excuse that thieves target headquarters and depots during off-duty hours to pilfer vehicles doesn’t hold water. In these cases, the stolen vehicles were on duty and in active service—whether at a scene or a hospital. The vulnerability of these vehicles to theft is attributed to their accessibility, often left unattended, unlocked and sometimes even running—an open invitation for anyone with the inclination to take the vehicle or make a swift escape.
Many of us have found ourselves in situations in which the urgency of responding to a scene or transporting a patient takes precedence over securing the vehicle. However, a straightforward and cost-effective immobilization device could prevent the financial and reputational cost of losing a vehicle.
The Commission on Accreditation of Ambulance Services (CAAS) mandates a standard for accredited agencies to have a written policy/procedure to prevent vehicle theft. These agencies must provide copies of the policy/procedure detailing how vehicles are secured when unattended. If anti-theft devices are utilized, agencies must present evidence and descriptions of how these devices meet the standard. One effective anti-theft device in use with ambulance fleets is the Tremco Anti-Theft system. This system allows a vehicle to remain unattended while running, enabling the operation of emergency lights and other electronics, but prevents movement unless the immobilization device is disengaged. The average ambulance thief is unlikely to be acquainted with this process, acting as a strong deterrent.
Beyond customized devices for public safety vehicles, a simple online search reveals various systems that can be seamlessly integrated into a truck’s electrical system to immobilize it, ensuring only authorized operators can drive. Implementing such systems may not only prevent embarrassment, police chases and spike strip deployment but, more importantly, protect providers, other drivers and pedestrians. Let’s resolve in 2024 to secure and immobilize our trucks.
Stolen vehicles
Date | Location | State | Stolen from |
9/14/2023 | Spartanburg | NC | Stolen from hospital |
9/15/2023 | Norfolk | VA | Stolen from hospital |
9/15/2023 | Kalinhi | HI | Stolen from scene |
9/19/2023 | Jefferson Parish | LA | Stolen from hospital |
9/19/2023 | New Orleans | LA | Stolen from hospital |
9/19/2023 | St Louis | MO | Stolen from hospital |
9/20/2023 | Henry County | GA | Unknown location |
9/21/2023 | Greenville | AL | Stolen from a Taco Bell |
9/30/2023 | Nashville | TN | Stolen from hospital |
9/30/2023 | Nashville | TN | Stolen from scene |
10/6/2023 | Atlanta | GA | Unknown location |
10/7/2023 | Statesville | NC | Stolen from hospital |
10/9/2023 | Omaha | NB | Stolen from hospital |
10/10/2023 | Cambria County | PA | Stolen from hospital |
10/10/2023 | Mooresville | NC | Stolen from hospital |
10/17/2023 | Lannet | AL | Stolen from hospital |
10/31/2023 | Philadelphia | PA | Stolen from hospital |
11/5/2023 | Burlington | VT | Stolen from scene |
11/6/2023 | Phoenix | AZ | Stolen from scene |
11/8/2023 | York | PA | Stolen from scene |
11/8/2023 | Sissonville | WV | Stolen from scene |
11/9/2023 | Washington, D.C. | DC | Stolen from scene |
11/10/2023 | Dayton | OH | Stolen from scene |
11/17/2023 | Washington, D.C. | DC | Unknown location |
11/20/2023 | Williamson | KY | Stolen from hospital |
11/26/2023 | San Antonio | TX | Stolen from hospital |
11/30/2023 | Gardner | MA | Unknown location (Recorded on violence tab as well) |
12/11/2023 | Lake City | FL | Stolen from scene |
Data/courtesy AAA/AIMHI Media Tracker
Returning to the Columbia County ambulance theft, the situation could have taken a tragic turn. Deputies, in search of the stolen ambulance, mistakenly pulled over another ambulance going about its normal business. They ordered the surprised EMT out at gunpoint, who, along with his partner and a patient, clarified the misunderstanding. Fortunately, it was swiftly realized that this was not the suspect vehicle. However, envisioning the potential consequences had the situation escalated due to an unexpected move or gesture, it is a scenario too dire to contemplate, emphasizing the urgency of addressing vehicle security in our operations.
