subject: Ground Ambulance Throughout History [print this page] Ground Ambulance Throughout History Ground Ambulance Throughout History
Early History
Queen Isabella of Spain was the first to use some sort of emergency medical transportation back in 1487. At the time, the Spanish Army was treated very well both on and off the battlefield. Although an ambulance staff would care for the wounded soldiers, it was not provided until after the battle was over. Because of this, many soldiers died. A major transformation of how ambulances were used in battle was instituted by Dominique Jean Larrey, Napolean Bonaparte's chief physician. After witnessing so many soldiers die on the battle field because of their wounds, Larrey set out to make it easier for the ambulances to reach and assist the wounded soldiers. He designed a two- and four-wheel wagon pulled by horses. After the soldiers received initial medical attention on the field, they were transported to the hospital. Larrey also adapted his ambulances to the geographical conditions of the troops' location. For example, in a campaign in Egypt, ambulances were redesigned to be pulled by camel.
Civil War
In the Civil War, Union military physicians Joseph Barnes and Jonathan Letterman expanded on Larrey's ideas. They designed an in-depth treatment for wounded soldiers before they arrived at the hospital, and they created specific techniques and methods to transport patients. Every regiment had at least one ambulance, a two-wheel cart that held two to three patients. As the Union soldiers began using the cart, they realized that it was too lightweight and not practical. It was replaced with the Rucker ambulance, which had four wheels. Steamboats also began to serve as transportation for the sick, serving as mobile hospitals.
19th Century
The first known ambulance operating for a hospital was in Cincinnati, Ohio in 1865. Ohio was quickly followed by New York who strived to bring patients to the hospital faster and more comfortably. Ambulances started carrying medical supplies and drugs such as splints, stomach pumps, morphine and brandy. Physicians realized that the speed of a patient's transport often meant the difference between life and death. As such, horses were left in their harnesses while waiting for an emergency call. The first motorized ambulance weighed 1600 pounds and traveled 16 miles per hour. It was first used in Chicago in 1899 and was donated by five local businessmen. In 1900, New York began using an ambulance with an electrically powered engine that traveled 20-30 miles per hour.
World War II
The first gasoline-powered ambulance was used during World War II on the battlefield. The ambulance was designed to withstand enemy fire through its heavy tractor-unit case made from bullet-proofsteel sheets. It had three wheels, two in the rear and one in the front. Ambulances started carrying advanced medical equipment with a physician on board and were dispatched by radio calls. The Red Cross also played a prominent role in the introduction of gasoline-powered ambulances during the war. These ambulances quickly replaced the horse-drawn carts.
1970s
The ambulance evolved significantly during the 1970s. Vehicles were now able to carry more weight which allowed ambulances to carry more medical supplies. Updated medical technology like audible and visual warnings, first aid supplies and, most importantly, a stretcher, were now carried in every ambulance. Ambulance drivers also began to receive medical training and CPRbegan to be used as the procedure for cardiac arrest. During this time, the ambulance began to play the role of a mobile hospital rather than simply a transport for patients.
Modern Vehicle
Ambulances are now custom built with highly technical medical equipment. Improvements in the vehicle's systems have dramatically improved protection to its occupants, including anti-lock brakes and improved audio and visual warning equipment. There are also more lifts, ramps and winches so crews do not have to lift and maneuver as much. These features also increase the level of comfort and speed at which a patient arrives at the hospital. Although the ambulance has come a long way, advances continue to be made because of the growing level of education and skills in the role paramedics play. Advances will continue to be made to ensure safety and comfort for the patients.
