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{{Short description|Medical bus used to transport and treat several patients at a time}}
[[File:SuperAmbulance2.jpg|right|300px|thumb|A Japanese ambulance bus from the [[Tokyo Fire Department]]]]
[[File:York Region EMS ambulance bus.jpg|thumb|An ambulance bus in [[York Region]], [[Canada]]|alt=]]An '''ambulance bus''' is a type of [[ambulance]] with the capacity to transport and treat multiple [[patients]]. An ambulance bus is used primarily for [[medical evacuation]] of [[Mass-casualty incident|mass casualty incidents]]<ref name="hospitalpreparedness">{{cite web|title=High Point Regional Hospital tests its emergency preparedness|url=http://triad.news14.com/content/local_news/triad/632052/high-point-regional-hospital-tests-its-emergency-preparedness|url-status=dead|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20110719064823/http://triad.news14.com/content/local_news/triad/632052/high-point-regional-hospital-tests-its-emergency-preparedness|archivedate=2011-07-19|accessdate=2010-10-28|publisher=News 14 Carolina}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|title=First Hospital-Based Mass Evacuation Bus in Hampton {{!}} First Line Tech|url=http://www.firstlinetech.com/first-hospital-based-mass-evacuation-bus-in-hampton-roads-now-based-at-sentara-virginia-beach-general-hospital/|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160123160622/http://www.firstlinetech.com/first-hospital-based-mass-evacuation-bus-in-hampton-roads-now-based-at-sentara-virginia-beach-general-hospital/|archive-date=2016-01-23|accessdate=2015-08-05|website=www.firstlinetech.com}}</ref> and non-emergency medical transport of care-dependent patients,<ref name="jumbulance">{{cite web|url=http://www.jumbulance.org.uk/faq.html |title=Questions and Answers |accessdate=2007-06-02 |publisher=Jumbulance Travel Trust |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20070702165512/http://www.jumbulance.org.uk/faq.html |archivedate=2 July 2007 |url-status=dead }}</ref> and can also be used for specific problems such as drunk patients in town centres.<ref>{{cite web|publisher=London Ambulance Service|title=Ambulance crews prepare for party night pressure|url=http://www.londonambulance.nhs.uk/news/news_releases_and_statements/ambulance_crews_prepare_for_p.aspx|date=2008-12-18|access-date=2009-11-08|archive-date=2016-03-03|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160303202825/http://www.londonambulance.nhs.uk/news/news_releases_and_statements/ambulance_crews_prepare_for_p.aspx|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|title=Aboard the 'Booze Bus'|publisher=BBC News|date=2007-12-17|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/magazine/7147646.stm}}</ref>
 
== Applications ==
An '''ambulance bus''', '''medical ambulance bus,''' '''AmBus,''' '''AmbuBus'''<ref name=AmbuBus>{{cite web|title=AmbuBus|url=http://www.ambubus.com |publisher=First Line Technology|accessdate=2 June 2015}}</ref> or '''MAB'''<ref>{{cite web|publisher=Sartin Services |url=http://www.sartinmab.com |title=MAB |accessdate=2010-02-03 |deadurl=yes |df= |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20100702041350/http://www.sartinmab.com/ |archivedate=2010-07-02 }}</ref> is a type of [[ambulance]] used to transport and treat multiple [[patients]] who require ambulance-level care. Ambulance buses have been used for a number of different purposes, including [[Mass-casualty incident|mass casualty incident]] response, [[disaster response]], offering on-site [[triage]], surge capacity, testing [[hospital]] preparedness,<ref name=hospitalpreparedness>{{cite web|url=http://triad.news14.com/content/local_news/triad/632052/high-point-regional-hospital-tests-its-emergency-preparedness |title=High Point Regional Hospital tests its emergency preparedness |accessdate=2010-10-28 |publisher=News 14 Carolina |deadurl=yes |df= |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20110719064823/http://triad.news14.com/content/local_news/triad/632052/high-point-regional-hospital-tests-its-emergency-preparedness |archivedate=2011-07-19 }}</ref> [[firefighter]] rehabilitation, hospital evacuation, [[Nursing home care|rest home (nursing home)]] evacuation, taking patients on routine journeys (such as [[vacation|holidays]]) for care-dependent patients or patients who use wheelchairs,<ref name=jumbulance>{{cite web|url=http://www.jumbulance.org.uk/faq.html |title=Questions and Answers |accessdate=2007-06-02 |publisher=Jumbulance Travel Trust |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20070702165512/http://www.jumbulance.org.uk/faq.html |archivedate=2 July 2007 |deadurl=yes }}</ref> or to deal with specific problems such as drunken patients in town centres.<ref>{{cite web|publisher=London Ambulance Service|title=Ambulance crews prepare for party night pressure|url=http://www.londonambulance.nhs.uk/news/news_releases_and_statements/ambulance_crews_prepare_for_p.aspx|date=2008-12-18}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|title=Aboard the 'Booze Bus'|publisher=BBC News|date=2007-12-17|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/magazine/7147646.stm}}</ref> Ambulance buses can also be used to prevent health crises by providing mobile care during [[marathon]]s/events<ref>{{Cite web|title = First Hospital-Based Mass Evacuation Bus in Hampton {{!}} First Line Tech|url = http://www.firstlinetech.com/first-hospital-based-mass-evacuation-bus-in-hampton-roads-now-based-at-sentara-virginia-beach-general-hospital/|website = www.firstlinetech.com|accessdate = 2015-08-05}}</ref> or providing a respite from the heat and preventing [[heat exhaustion]] on hot days.<ref>{{Cite web|title = X Games Austin: Several treated downtown for heat, EMS says|url = http://www.austin360.com/weblogs/atx-games/2014/jun/05/ems-several-treated-downtown-heat-during-x-games-e/|accessdate = 2015-08-05}}</ref>
 
===Mass casualty/evacuation useincident===
[[File:Toronto EMS bus.jpg|thumb|An ambulance bus in [[Toronto|Toronto, Canada]]]]
In the event of a major [[disaster]] or evacuation, ambulance buses can be used to transport high volumes of patients or evacuate non-ambulatory patients from hospitals and nursing homes to care centers out of harm's way. Critical care transport and [[Advanced Life Support]] systems are integrated into each vehicle to accommodate the needs of patients requiring constant intensive care.<ref name="News 14 Carolina">{{cite web|publisher=News 14 Carolina |title=High Point Regional Hospital tests its emergency preparedness |url=http://triangle.news14.com/content/video_stories/632052/high-point-regional-hospital-tests-its-emergency-preparedness?ap=1&MP4 |accessdate=2010-10-28 |deadurl=yes |df= |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20110727094921/http://triangle.news14.com/content/video_stories/632052/high-point-regional-hospital-tests-its-emergency-preparedness?ap=1&MP4 |archivedate=2011-07-27 }}</ref> Ambulance buses can be deployed to major incidents, where multiple patients are present or expected, and can be used in two main ways:
In the event of a major [[disaster]] or evacuation, an ambulance bus can be used to transport multiple patients to the hospital.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Alaska National Guardsman participate in mass casualty drill|url=https://www.dvidshub.net/news/124289/alaska-national-guardsman-participate-mass-casualty-drill#.VcJGd5NVhBf|accessdate=2015-08-05}}</ref> The vehicle may be equipped with [[advanced life support]] systems.<ref name="News 14 Carolina">{{cite web|title=High Point Regional Hospital tests its emergency preparedness|url=http://triangle.news14.com/content/video_stories/632052/high-point-regional-hospital-tests-its-emergency-preparedness?ap=1&MP4|url-status=dead|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20110727094921/http://triangle.news14.com/content/video_stories/632052/high-point-regional-hospital-tests-its-emergency-preparedness?ap=1&MP4|archivedate=2011-07-27|accessdate=2010-10-28|publisher=News 14 Carolina}}</ref> Likewise, during an evacuation in advance of a disaster, an ambulance bus can transfer patients in hospitals and nursing homes to care centers out of harm's way.<ref>{{cite web|title=Mass casualty ambulance bus|url=http://www.sartinservices.com/MAB.html|url-status=dead|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20080509191807/http://www.sartinservices.com/MAB.html|archivedate=2008-05-09|publisher=Sartin Services}}</ref>
# Ambulance buses can act in a stationary capacity as a casualty clearing station, field hospital, or treatment center. The units can be dispatched in advance of large events or festivals or in response to emergency events.
# Ambulance buses can be used to transport multiple stretcher-bound or wheelchair-using patients from the scene to the next definitive point of care.<ref>{{cite web|publisher=Sartin Services |url=http://www.sartinservices.com/MAB.html |title=Mass casualty ambulance bus |deadurl=yes |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20080509191807/http://www.sartinservices.com/MAB.html |archivedate=2008-05-09 |df= }}</ref> Again, units can be used in advance of eminent danger (like the evacuation of a hospital in the path of a hurricane) or as a response to an emergency (like when evacuating a nursing home that fills with smoke or to transport a large number of patients in a large-scale highway accident<ref>{{Cite web|title = Alaska National Guardsman participate in mass casualty drill|url = https://www.dvidshub.net/news/124289/alaska-national-guardsman-participate-mass-casualty-drill#.VcJGd5NVhBf|accessdate = 2015-08-05}}</ref>).
Traditional ambulance buses are designed from the ground up to handle the increased demands of multi-patient treatment and transportation. They are built with the intention of providing a close resembleace to a mobile hospital and often include large amounts of medical equipment.
 
===Non-emergency transport===
=== Temporary vs. permanent ambulance bus kits ===
SomeAn charitiesambulance operatebus ambulancecan be busesused in a patient transport role specifically to allow stretcher -bound patients to takeleave the hospital, such as taking excursions or holidays away from the hospital, whilstwhile still bebeing able to benefitprovide fromthe anecessary fullmedical care service fromduring theirthe healthcare escortsjourney.<ref name="jumbulance" />▼
In some cases, existing responder vehicles like used school or city buses can be used as mass casualty transport vehicles with the installation an AmbuBus Kit, which is installed inside a vehicle of opportunity to create an ambulance bus capable of transporting up to 18 nonambulatory patients.<ref>{{Cite web|title = AmbuBus Kit {{!}} First Line Tech|url = http://www.firstlinetech.com/product/ambubus-kit/|website = www.firstlinetech.com|accessdate = 2015-08-05}}</ref> These conversion kits are inexpensive alternatives when agencies do not have enough funding for a new ALS/BLS medical ambulance bus, which can often cost up to $750,000. Conversion Kits give first responders and municipalities the option of a low cost, temporarily or permanently installed conversion kits for mass casualty response.
 
== Conversion of existing vehicles ==
On-demand ambulance bus kits are temporarily installed inside any available vehicle (like a school or city bus) on an as-needed basis when the need is anticipated in advance, like in the case of hurricanes or planned hospital maintenance. When not in use, kits can be stored in warehouses with low maintenance costs. When needed, kits are installed and used. After use, the vehicle can be returned to daily use. With some kits, holes are drilled in the shell of the bus, requiring recertification. However, with other kits (like the pressure-mounted AmbuBus Kit<ref name="AmbuBus" />), vehicles can easily be returned to daily use without recertification. Temporary ambulance bus kits are ideal for hospital evacuations, mortuary affairs, and the transport of special needs patients.
Existing vehicles like buses can be converted into an ambulance bus with the installation of an on-demand ambulance bus kit.<ref>{{Cite web|last=FERGUSON|first=JOHN WAYNE|title=Galveston County OEM in the running for ambulance bus kit|url=https://www.galvnews.com/blogs/newswise/article_a7c28a48-1988-11e3-aad2-001a4bcf6878.html|access-date=2020-08-29|website=The Daily News|date=9 September 2013 |language=en}}</ref> On-demand ambulance bus kits are installed inside any available vehicle on an as-needed basis when the need is anticipated in advance, like in the case of hurricanes or planned hospital maintenance. These kits can be installed temporarily or permanently.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Old school buses converted into ambulances to evacuate nursing homes|url=https://www.wusa9.com/article/news/health/coronavirus/converting-buses-into-ambulances-evacuate-nursing-homes-quickly/65-bcd7b693-9335-41cb-b40f-0c6057c3735e|access-date=2020-08-29|website=wusa9.com|date=23 April 2020 |language=en-US}}</ref>
 
== See also ==
No-notice ambulance bus kits are permanently installed into a vehicle of opportunity (like a school or city bus) and are on-call to respond at a moment's notice for earthquakes, terrorist attacks, or other no-notice disasters. Permanently installed kits are sometimes preferable to traditional MABs because they are less expensive than traditional ambulance buses, can be reconfigurable in the field, are transferable in case of vehicle malfunction, and can use the existing vehicle assets of a city. Permanent ambulance bus kits are ideal for mass casualty evacuation and transport, but can also be used for emergency prophylaxis distribution and firefighter rehabilitation.
{{Commons category|Ambulance buses}}▼
 
* [[Aid station]]
==Patient holiday use==
* [[Field hospital]]
▲Some charities operate ambulance buses in a patient transport role specifically to allow stretcher bound patients to take excursions or holidays away from hospital, whilst still be able to benefit from a full care service from their healthcare escorts.<ref name=jumbulance/>
* [[Hospital ship]]
 
* [[Mobile hospital]]
== Quarantine and isolation buses ==
* [[Nontransporting EMS vehicle]]
Some mass casualty buses are specially adapted to for [[CBRN]] incidents and can be used for quarantine or isolation of contaminated patients. These vehicles may have additional features such as a sealed bulkhead to separate the driver compartment from the patient compartment. The equivalent functionality of the ambulance buses may also be built into other vehicles such as [[truck|trucks]], [[train]]s or other large mass transit vehicles. These mass evacuation buses are well suited for quarantine and containment.
 
▲{{Commons category|Ambulance buses}}
 
==References==
Retrieved from "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ambulance_bus"