Ambulances do not have seasonal offs. They run all throughout the year, any time of the day. Even in the scorching heat of summer when the claws of the radiation attack us. It then that the ambulance plays a greater role in getting patients to safety. The sweltering heat can pose challenges in the transport of patients to safety. These considerations have to be planned and executed well in advance. Summer or rain might not make a difference to emergency ambulances that have the utmost priority of saving lives. But non-emergency ambulances that transport patients can be well geared to face the challenges of the summer season.

With the hotter climate approaching us, the warnings of summer stroke will be on the rise. Heat strokes are very common and dangerous. The need of emergency ambulances at these times increase significantly. This demands for the ready availability of ambulances. A lot of persons advanced in age also can black out by facing the brunt of undue heat. Whether emergency or non-emergency ambulance services, being prepared to face the heat is a must.

Ambulance preparedness can be looked at from two perspectives. Firstly, the ambulance being ready to bear the effects of the sun on the equipment and vehicle. Summer accidents caused by excessive heat are not cases that are uncommon. The second perspective from which summer preparedness can be ensured is that of providing aid to individuals who may be attacked by a summer stroke. Emergencies such as heat stroke happen suddenly and have to be addressed immediately.

Tire emergencies – Getting into tire accidents in the summer is a common phenomenon. The tire can explode or burst when the heat gets out of hand. Maintaining the right pressure is essential to avoid such accidents en route, while transporting patients. Even if such accidents were to occur, ambulances have to be prepared with additional tires and jacks to facilitate changing of the tires. This is especially relevant in case of non-emergency ambulances  transporting individuals over long distances.

Water, the elixir of life – The heat demands for the need of keeping hydrated continuously. Carrying sufficient drinking water for the ambulatory care team as well as passengers and caretakers is a good idea. Sometimes it might even help to offer water to those in immediate need of water.

Window tints – Ambulances always have their windows tinted to a dark shade to avoid the sunlight. Ensuring that these tints are in place is essential. It helps maintain the inner temperature of the ambulance. This can help in reducing discomfort if not the pain felt by victims.

Driver safety – The vehicle that the driver drives should be fully equipped to support the ambulatory team in distress. Upkeep of mirrors, anti-glare coating, the sirens, etc should be specifically looked into in the summer. It is pertinent to help keep both the driver and the patients safe.

Even though ambulances may already be equipped to safely transport patients or victims, one can never be too sure. Keeping a maintenance checklist to ensure safety measures is important. It is always better to be safe than sorry. The entire ambulatory team has to be prepared to face all possible consequences of the summer season.