Ambulance Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
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ambulance
[ˈæmbjələns ]
Definitions
emergency medical care
An ambulance is a vehicle equipped for transporting sick or injured people, typically to a hospital. It is staffed with medical personnel to provide emergency medical care en route.
Synonyms
emergency vehicle, medic unit, rescue vehicle.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| ambulance |
General term used to describe vehicles that transport people in need of urgent medical care to hospitals or other medical facilities.
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| emergency vehicle |
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.
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| rescue vehicle |
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.
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| medic unit |
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.
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Examples of usage
- The ambulance rushed to the scene of the accident.
- The paramedics in the ambulance administered first aid to the injured person.
hospital transport
An ambulance is also a vehicle used for transporting patients between medical facilities, such as from one hospital to another or from a hospital to a rehabilitation center.
Synonyms
hospital transfer vehicle, medical transport, patient transport.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| ambulance |
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.
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| medical transport |
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.
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| patient transport |
A broad term used to describe the service of moving patients from one place to another. It encompasses both emergency and non-emergency scenarios.
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| hospital transfer vehicle |
This is a more specific term used for vehicles designed to transfer patients between healthcare facilities. It does not imply an emergency situation.
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Examples of usage
- The patient was transferred to a different hospital by ambulance.
- The ambulance transported the elderly woman to the nursing home.
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Interesting Facts
Historical Origins
- The word comes from the Latin 'ambulare', meaning 'to walk', because early ambulances transported patients who could still walk.
- In the 19th century, special carriages were developed to carry wounded soldiers during battles, marking the beginning of modern ambulances.
- The first motorized ambulance was introduced in 1899, changing how quickly patients could receive medical care.
Medical Importance
- Ambulances are equipped with life-saving equipment, like defibrillators and oxygen tanks, enabling paramedics to provide emergency care.
- In many places, ambulances are dispatched through emergency numbers, ensuring a quick response to life-threatening situations.
- Ambulances can also be categorized by their purpose, including basic life support (BLS) and advanced life support (ALS) units.
Pop Culture
- In movies and shows, ambulances often symbolize urgency and rescue, highlighting their crucial role in emergencies.
- The iconic sound of an ambulance siren has been used in music to evoke feelings of alarm or distress.
- Various video games feature ambulances as part of emergency response scenarios, educating players about the importance of first aid.
Technology
- Modern ambulances are equipped with GPS technology and communication devices to keep in touch with hospitals while on the way.
- The design of ambulances focuses on quick entry and exit, often including special lighting and ramps for easy access.
- Telemedicine is being integrated into ambulances, allowing medical staff to consult with doctors en route, improving patient outcomes.
Global Practices
- In some countries, ambulances are free and funded by taxes, while in others, there can be a fee for using the service.
- The color and markings of ambulances can vary greatly worldwide, reflecting local customs and regulations.
- In Japan, ambulance services also include teams trained in disaster response, showcasing their adaptability to different emergency situations.
Origin of 'ambulance'
The word 'ambulance' originated from the French word 'ambulant', meaning 'mobile'. The concept of ambulances providing medical care and transportation for the sick and injured has evolved over centuries, with the modern ambulance as we know it today dating back to the 19th century. Ambulances play a crucial role in emergency medical services, ensuring timely and efficient transport of patients to receive necessary treatment.