How electric ambulances are transforming the healthcare sector
If consumer vehicles can be electrified, then why not emergency vehicles. Countries like the UK, Japan, Norway, etc. have already taken steps to switch to electric ambulances and it seems all the more logical for India as well.
By Abhijeet Wassan
Healthcare is the backbone of our country and most often than not, it comes on four wheels, the emergency lights flashing and sirens blazing. No matter what the hour is, ambulances arrive as the beacon of hope to provide that essential prehospital medical care. They are the difference between life and death for so many people. But what if the ambulances we so much rely upon don’t just transport us to the hospital but are the reason for our hospitalization? The routes of these ambulances often pass through residential areas and gas emissions from them worsen the air quality in those areas. Living in a pandemic and breathing poor quality air should perhaps sensitize us about the repercussions of our emergency vehicles with big fuel engines and tailpipe emissions. If consumer vehicles can be electrified, then why not emergency vehicles. Countries like the UK, Japan, Norway, etc. have already taken steps to swtich to electric ambulances and it seems all the more logical for India’s Well.
Transforming effects of electric ambulances on the healthcare
Quicker & quieter
Electric ambulances are quick to start from a standing position and provide a quieter and smoother ride. A quiet ride with lesser vibrations and noise than traditional ambulance rides is not only comfortable for the fragile patients inside the vehicle but the first responders working on long and strenuous shifts. Sometimes paramedics also have to operate inside a moving ambulance with sensitive equipment, and a lack of noise and vibrations can significantly benefit them. Moreover, people living on frequent ambulance routes are also not disturbed.
Zero tailpipe emissions
Conventional ambulances consume large amounts of fuel and emit harmful greenhouse gases, which
contribute to air pollution and climate change. On the other hand, electric ambulances produce zero
tailpipe emissions. Thus, a healthier alternative for the air we breathe. They can quickly reduce
pollution in the areas they serve and improve public health, thereby contributing to a cleaner,
greener planet.
Fuel-efficient
ambuiance are MUCh iower. since eiectric ambuiances are powered soieiy oy electricity, they don’t
have to incur any fuel expenses, which can offset the high initial cost. The healthcare
organizations can allocate these savings to other departments where funding is needed, such as
staffing or investment in medical equipment.
Alternative for hard-to-reach populations
The populace living in rural India often has to travel miles on foot to reach city hospitals. On
the other hand, an ambulance trip even to the nearest healthcare centre becomes infeasible due to
low-volume providers in rural areas. Replacing the conventional ambulances with electric ones can
bring more accessibility to rural India. As a result, it can help people access healthcare who
earlier couldn’t afford an ambulance.