What Type of Equipment is Found in an Ambulance?
Ambulances are vehicles used for emergency medical services, and they usually have various types of equipment. Some are used as emergency response, and others are primarily used for transporting patients who are unable to transport themselves to appointments. In some areas, a helicopter can be used as an ambulance and will fly the patient to a hospital if they are remote. Lifeboats are also used as ambulances to rescue people in trouble in the sea.
The first piece of equipment that an ambulance can carry is an oxygen supply unit. This device is crucial for patients who are suffering from breathing difficulties, such as after a fire. The oxygen supply unit can also help revive a collapsed patient. Another piece of equipment that an ambulance may carry is a blood pressure meter. This device consists of an inflatable rubber cuff connected to a mechanical manometer with a graduated scale. The meter can be used to measure systolic blood pressure as well as diastolic blood pressure.
Another piece of equipment that is vital in emergency situations is a ventilator. A ventilator provides oxygen to a patient. There are different sizes of these devices, and they must form a tight seal around the patient’s face to be effective. A cylinder of oxygen is also connected to the ventilator. The ventilator allows the paramedic to change the airflow rate and depth quickly. The ventilator can also monitor the patient’s heart rate, and give the patient a breathing treatment.
Ambulances can be built for a variety of purposes, and many have two stages in their production. Often, they start out as a light truck and are modified from there. A second manufacturer then adds bodywork and emergency vehicle equipment to the vehicle. Chevrons in fluorescent colours are added for increased visibility. Find out more about Chapter 8 Chevrons at www.vehiclechevrons.com
The type of equipment in an ambulance is highly important. A quality ambulance will have ECG monitors to monitor a patient’s vital signs. A defibrillator is used to revive cardiac arrest patients, and a spinal board is used to lift patients suffering from spine trauma. Further, paramedics receive regular training in the use of the equipment and keep up with the latest advances in medical technology.
An electrocardiograph monitor is another piece of equipment found in an ambulance. It shows the heart’s rhythm, and can detect abnormal patterns in the heart. These irregular patterns are called arrhythmias and can cause the heart to beat incorrectly. An electrocardiograph is very useful in this situation, since it can help paramedics get a patient’s heart rate back on track.