This guide describes ambulances in general. What the ambulance for your trip carries, and who travels with the patient, is confirmed by our dispatcher before you book.
Ambulance transport is medically necessary when travelling any other way could harm the patient. The treating doctor decides. If you are not sure, ask the doctor.
Signs that usually point to an ambulance
- The patient cannot sit up for the journey or cannot walk or be carried safely
- They need oxygen or monitoring on the way
- A drip, pump or ventilator must keep running
- A serious condition such as a heart event, stroke, or severe injury
- A very young or very frail patient who needs support the family cannot give
- A long journey that would be unsafe by car
When a car may be fine
If the patient can sit up, needs no equipment and the trip is short, the doctor may say a car is fine. Ask. Do not guess.
What to tell the doctor
- The patient’s condition and how they are moving now
- The trip, for example hospital to home or to another city
- Any equipment the patient is using
Ask: “Does the patient need an ambulance, and what support on the way?”
Common mix-ups
- “It costs more, so I will take a car.” Cost matters, but a trip that is unsafe can cost more later.
- “Any ambulance will do.” Vehicles differ. See types of ambulance.
- “The hospital must send one.” Many hospitals do not run their own. See how many ambulances a hospital has.
Who pays
In Bangladesh the fare depends on the vehicle, distance and waiting time, and is usually paid by the family. Some insurance policies may cover part. Check your policy and ask your insurer before the trip.
Booking
Tell the dispatcher the doctor’s advice. We match the vehicle and tell you the fare before we dispatch. See our ICU ambulance and AC ambulance services.
Call 01919-339689 any time. A dispatcher answers 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
