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 incidents[1][2] and non-emergency medical transport of care-dependent patients,[3] and can also be used for specific problems such as drunk patients in town centres.[4][5]
In the event of a major disaster or evacuation, an ambulance bus can be used to transport multiple patients to the hospital.[6] The vehicle may be equipped with advanced life support systems.[7] 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.[8]
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 provide the necessary medical care during the journey.[3]
Existing vehicles like buses can be converted into an ambulance bus with the installation of an on-demand ambulance bus kit.[9] 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.[10]
