Ambulance bus: Difference between revisions

[[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|df=}}</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>

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|df=}}</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|df=}}</ref>

An ambulance bus can be used in a transport role to allow stretcher-bound patients to leave the hospital, such as taking excursions or holidays away from the hospital, while still being able to provided withprovide the necessary medical care during the journey.<ref name="jumbulance" />

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>