1. How are Ambulances Medically Equipped for Seniors? When there is a health emergency, the first thing one should do is called an ambulance. But what sort of ambulance to call? - an Emergency or EMS ambulance service or a non- EMS one? what sort of medical transportation service is best for seniors? What are the mandatory equipments in an ambulance needed for transport of the elderly? Is a geriatric ambulance service available exclusively for transporting seniors? The answers to many such questions can be found here. EMS ambulance service An EMS ambulance service is an emergency medical transportation service called for when the person is in a life-threatening situation or danger. They are also called Life Squad, Rescue Squad, FAST or First Aid Squad, Ambulance Corps, etc. The EMS ambulance service is called for in an unexpected condition of emergency. No advanced booking or reservation is needed to call an EMS ambulance service. So, the EMS ambulance service has to be ready 24x7 to handle all kinds of emergencies calls at any time of the day or night. It has to stand by with all necessary equipment and trained paramedical staff to offer immediate first aid to the critical patient and transport him/her to the hospital. The aim of the EMS ambulance service is to transport the patient safely in the quickest possible time within the golden hour to the hospital to save his/her life. That is why they are fitted with a wailing siren that alerts the traffic on the road to give way to enable the ambulance to reach the hospital in record time.

2. An EMS ambulance service is called when the patient Is in acute danger as in the case of a cardiac arrest, stroke  Has met with a critical accident  Is in a life-threatening situation like a brain injury, heavy bleeding, acute  pulmonary congestion, etc. An EMS ambulance service is fully equipped with First Aid, Basic and Advanced Life Support equipment to meet the emergency. Non-emergency medical transportation service or Non-EMS ambulance A non- emergency medical transportation service or Non-EMS ambulance is one that is used for pre-scheduled transportation before or after an operation or surgery or for the purpose of hospitalization of a patient confined to bed. It is booked in advance as there is no emergency here and the patient's life is not in danger,. There is no rush to reach the hospital in record time. So, it is not fitted with a siren signaling the drivers on road to pull over. The booking of the non-EMS ambulance can be planned to suit the convenience of the patient. A Non-EMS ambulance service is called mainly to Transport infirm or physically-disabled senior patients to the hospital.  Shift seniors to or from hospital for a surgery or operation  Travel long-distance with seniors for medical treatment 

3. A Non-EMs Ambulance has only the basic equipment required for medical transport. Equipments in ambulance that are a must to transport elders While transporting elders to or from hospital any ambulance should be equipped with the following equipment Wheelchair or Wheeled cot   A Jump Bag - This is a medical kit for first aid that has medication, bandages,   syringes and even IV drips. Medication bag - It has anaesthetics, IV fluids, anti-epileptic medication   adrenaline, salbutamol and nitroglycerine. Nitroglycerine is to ease chest pain and salbutamol is to open airways. Bag Valve Mask - This is an absolute must to help suffocating or breathless elders   to breathe. The mask is placed over the patient's nose to help them breathe better. It may r may not be connected to an external oxygen cylinder Suction Unit - This helps to remove the fluid from the senior's lungs in case of   pulmonary oedema. Ventilator - The ventilator is used to pump oxygen in to the patient's lungs when   the patient is unable to breathe. It is fitted to an oxygen cylinder ECG monitor with defibrillator - In case of heart attack, the ECG monitor is   used to display the heart rhythm and the defibrillator is used to restore the heart to normal. Haemo-Glucometer - For elderly patients with diabetes this device is to check   their blood sugar levels and give proper medication. Trauma board - This flat board is used to hold the senior in position in case of a   spine injury or damage Cervical collar - The cervical collar keeps the head of the patient immovable in   case of a head or neck injury. Geriatric Ambulance Service

4. A Geriatric Ambulance Service is one that is fully designed to meet the special needs of the elderly. It is equipped with an experienced team of caring paramedics who anticipate the needs of elders. It is equipped with all facilities and equipment required for senior care. When it comes to medical transportation for elders, it is always advisable to seek a Geriatric Ambulance Service to cater to the specific needs of the elderly.