Does your organization ever feel stuck trying to find a way to transport people who need medical care but don’t need an ambulance? Maybe you’re an administrator at a senior care facility or a manager at a rehabilitation center. You know these individuals need more than just a regular ride but not the urgency of an emergency vehicle.
It’s frustrating because you want to ensure they get to their appointments safely and comfortably, but your options seem limited. This is where an ambulette comes in, offering a specialized solution for your transportation needs.
Over the past ten years, AVAN Mobility has manufactured hundreds of mobile medical vehicles for organizations all over North America. Our mission is to reduce barriers to healthcare and save lives by offering innovative transportation solutions tailored to your organization’s needs.
While we are proud of our expertise, we recognize that there are other manufacturers out there. Our aim here is to inform and help you make the best decision for your needs.
In this article, you’ll learn all about ambulettes. We’ll explain what an ambulette is and why it might be the solution your organization is looking for.
What is an ambulette, and how does it work?
An ambulette is a special type of vehicle designed to transport people who need medical care but do not require an emergency ambulance. Think of it as a blend between a wheelchair van and an ambulance. It’s perfect for individuals who might have difficulty moving around, like seniors or people with disabilities. Ambulettes are equipped to handle various needs, including wheelchair and stretcher transportation.
Ambulette meaning: The term “ambulette” combines “ambulance” with the concept of a smaller, non-emergency medical transport vehicle. It offers a safe and comfortable ride for those needing medical assistance but without the rush of an emergency vehicle.
How does ambulette service work?
Let’s consider a hypothetical example to help you understand how ambulette service works. Imagine Mrs. Smith, a 95-year-old lady living in a small town. Mrs. Smith needs to visit her doctor for a routine check-up. She’s not in an emergency situation, but she does need some help to get there because she has trouble walking and needs to lie down during the trip.
Here’s how ambulette transportation helps Mrs. Smith and the process she goes through:
1. Booking the service: Mrs. Smith’s caregiver calls the local ambulette service to schedule a pick-up time. They discuss Mrs. Smith’s needs and ensure the vehicle is equipped with a stretcher.
2. Pick-up: On the day of her appointment, the ambulette arrives at Mrs. Smith’s home. The vehicle has a friendly driver and a medical assistant to help her. They gently get her onto the stretcher and secure her safely inside the ambulette.
3. Comfortable ride: The ambulette is climate-controlled, keeping Mrs. Smith warm and comfortable. The secure antler system makes sure she’s safe during the journey.
4. Arrival at the doctor’s office: Upon arrival, the medical assistant helps Mrs. Smith out of the ambulette and into the doctor’s office. The staff ensures she is settled and ready for her appointment.
5. Return trip: After her check-up, the ambulette is there to take her back home, making sure she is comfortable and safe during the return trip.
This process shows how ambulette transportation is safe, comfortable, and tailored to individual needs. It’s a reliable solution for non-emergency medical transportation, ensuring that people like Mrs. Smith can get to their medical appointments without stress. Ambulettes are important for communities because they offer a bridge between regular transport and emergency ambulances.
Which vehicle can you use for ambulette transportation?
The P4 3-in-1 Van from AVAN Mobility is perfect for ambulette transportation and ambulette services. This van is built on the Ram Promaster 2500 159” Wheelbase High Roof model. It’s great for organizations that need to move people who need medical care but don’t need an ambulance for emergency transportation.
Let’s take a look at some of the P4 3-in-1 Van’s key features and benefits.
Ease of operation
No special driver’s license needed: This van can be driven without a special license, making it easy for your staff to use. This may vary between states, so check with your local insurance provider.
Small footprint: Its compact size makes city driving easy, allowing for efficient transportation in urban areas.
Backup camera: The camera helps with easy and safe reversing, especially in tight spaces.
Accessibility and comfort
Ambulatory, wheelchair, and stretcher access: The van can transport people who walk, use wheelchairs, or need a stretcher, offering flexibility for various needs.
Barrier-free entry: There are no steps, and a stowable ramp makes getting in and out easy for everyone.
Strong ramp: The heavy-duty ramp supports up to 1,000 lbs and has a manual backup system for easy wheelchair access.
Large windows: Big windows let in natural light, making the van comfortable without losing privacy.
Grab handles: Handles throughout the van help passengers enter and exit safely.
Anti-slip running boards: These boards make getting in and out safer by preventing slips and falls, even in bad weather.
Performance and safety
High off the ground: This van’s high ground clearance helps it drive smoothly on all kinds of terrain, whether in urban or rural areas.
Good for snow and ice: Front wheel drive gives great traction in snowy and icy conditions.
Strong engine: The 3.6L Pentastar V6 engine ensures smooth and reliable driving.
Secure wheelchair restraints: The 4-point wheelchair restraint system keeps wheelchairs safe and secure during the ride.
Flexibility and convenience
AutoFloor system: The AutoFloor system allows easy reconfiguration of seats and wheelchairs, saving time and money.
Power-operated glass doors: These doors are easy to operate from the driver’s dash and provide a clear view.
The P4 3-in-1 Van is a great solution for organizations that need to provide safe and comfortable ambulette services. It’s designed to meet the needs of your passengers, ensuring they get the care and support they need before and during their trip.
Continue learning about ambulettes
You came to this article looking for a solution to transport individuals with non-urgent medical needs. We understand how challenging it can be to find the right vehicle that offers comfort, safety, and reliability for non-emergency medical transportation.
After reading this article, you now know what an ambulette is and how it works. You also learned about the P4 3-in-1 Van from AVAN Mobility and how it can serve as an effective ambulette.
With our decade of experience manufacturing mobile medical and wheelchair accessible vans, you can trust that the P4 3-in-1 Van is designed to be a versatile and reliable option for ambulette services.
We take pride in being industry leaders, and we’re always striving to improve and innovate. If you have any questions, click the button below to talk to a mobility expert. We’re here to help.
If you’re not ready to talk to someone yet, we have a couple of other resources to steer you in the right direction. First, check out our guide on securing grants. While this article is geared toward mobile clinics, you can also use it to find funding for ambulettes.
After that, read our article on how to choose a manufacturer. You’ll gain some valuable insight when you’re finally ready to partner with a company that’ll help see your plans come to fruition.
