Ambulance: meaning, definitions and examples

General term used to describe vehicles that transport people in need of urgent medical care to hospitals or other medical facilities.

• The ambulance arrived within minutes of the call
• She was taken to the hospital by ambulance

A broader term that can refer to any vehicle used by emergency services, such as police cars, fire trucks, and ambulances. Used when emphasizing the urgency and official nature of the vehicle.

• Make sure to pull over when you see an emergency vehicle approaching
• Emergency vehicles rushed to the scene of the accident

Often used to describe vehicles that are part of rescue operations, which can include but are not limited to medical emergencies. Emphasizes the rescue aspect rather than just medical assistance.

• Rescue vehicles were sent to assist with the flood victims
• The mountain rescue team uses specially equipped vehicles for their missions

Typically used in professional or official settings, especially within emergency services or military contexts. Refers specifically to teams equipped to provide medical care within the vehicle.

• The medic unit was dispatched to handle the situation
• Several medic units were on standby during the event

This term is used for emergency situations where immediate medical care is required. It is typically equipped with medical equipment and staffed by personnel trained to handle emergencies.

• Call an ambulance quickly, he's having a heart attack!; The ambulance arrived at the accident scene within minutes

This general term refers to any kind of vehicle used to transport patients, including non-emergency situations. It covers services for routine medical visits or moving patients with chronic conditions.

• We used medical transport to get Grandma to her regular dialysis appointments
• ; Medical transport services often assist elderly patients who have difficulty traveling

A broad term used to describe the service of moving patients from one place to another. It encompasses both emergency and non-emergency scenarios.

• Patient transport services are essential for ensuring that those who need medical care can get to their appointments
• ; The hospital provides patient transport for non-critical cases

This is a more specific term used for vehicles designed to transfer patients between healthcare facilities. It does not imply an emergency situation.

• The hospital transfer vehicle will take you to the specialist clinic
• ; When patient care needs to be continued at another facility, they arrange for a hospital transfer vehicle