In early August of 2012, EMS1 conducted a survey on the state of ambulances in the industry. This survey represents a poll of 328 Emergency Medical Responders, Emergency Medical Technicians, Paramedics, and equivalent. We have posted the results to the survey below.
Highlights:
- 61% have not bought a used ambulance.
- 50% of responders said their entire ambulance fleet is equipped for ALS.
- 55% have 5 or fewer vehicles in their fleet.
When asked what desirable features an ambulance could have if cost and techonology were no barrier, many said better climate control and WiFi for easier data transference between ambulance and hospital, along with more accurate GPS. Some of the other responses, mostly rooted in safety and technology, are below:
“Restraints for all crew members in patient compartment that let you move around and freely treat the patient.”
“Small wireless intercom for the driver to be able to communicate with patient care in the back.”
“I would love to see a computer so we can get updates and patient condition as we drive to scene.”“Wireless vital signs monitoring and ultrasound with integrated display on bulkhead.”
In the most important features in an ambulance, the overwhelming majority of respondents replied “the crew” and “cab safety.”
See the rest of the survey results below:
Question 1: Do you work for fire or EMS department or a private agency?
SUMMARY: 57% work in a Fire/EMS department, while the majority of “Other” responses include hospital-based and volunteer EMS.
Question 2: Which best describes your purchasing power within your agency or department?
SUMMARY:Nearly 63% either lightly influence or do not influence the final vehicle purachasing decision.
Question 3: How large is your department or agency?
SUMMARY: 41.9% have 21 to 60 people in their department.
Question 4: How many ambulances does your agency or department have?
SUMMARY: 55% have 5 vehicles or fewer.
Question 5: Of those vehicles, how many are equipped for Advanced Life Support?
SUMMARY: 50% are equipped for ALS, while 21% do not have any vehicles equipped for ALS.
Question 6: How often do you replace your ambulances or emergency vehicles?
SUMMARY:
Nearly 35% replace their vehicles every four to six years.Question 7: Have you ever bought a used ambulance?
SUMMARY: Over 61% have not bought a used ambulance.
Question 8: If yes, where did you buy your used ambulance?
SUMMARY: 47% bought their vehicle from new and used ambulance dealer. The majority of “Other” responses acquired their vehicle from another department or agency.
Question 9: I was able to find a quality used ambulance that closely fit my agency’s or department’s needs.
SUMMARY: 42% agreed with this statement, while neary 23% strongly agreed and another 24% were neutral.
Question 10: What kind of non-medical equipment do you carry on your ambulance?
SUMMARY: Popular answers included visibility equipment including lighting and relflectors, plus personal protective equipment, ropes and chains, and forcible entry equipment.
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