- Red Stripe: Emergency Ambulance — white body, min 3 crew, advanced life support equipment.
- Blue Stripe: Patient Transport Ambulance — gray (RAL 7004) body, detachable blue lights, min 2 crew.
- Intensive Care Unit (ICU) Ambulance: White body, red stripe, min 3 crew, advanced monitoring and treatment equipment.
- Nova Standard: We use Emergency Ambulance standards for all services.
While driving in Turkey, you may have noticed that some ambulances have red stripes while others have blue. With the new Ambulances and Emergency Health Vehicles Regulation enacted in 2025, this classification was expanded. There are now four types of ground ambulances: Emergency Ambulance, Patient Transport Ambulance, Intensive Care Unit (ICU) Ambulance, and Special-Purpose Ambulances. [1][3] This guide explains the features, staffing, and use cases for each type.
Red-Striped Ambulance: Emergency Ambulance
Red-striped, white-bodied ambulances are classified as Emergency Ambulances. They respond to emergencies on scene, stabilize the patient, and transport them to the nearest appropriate hospital. [1]
Vehicle Features:
- Body Color: White, with a red phosphorescent and microprismatic reflective stripe. [1]
- Crew: Minimum three persons: one physician or paramedic (associate-degree), or an EMT who has completed Ministry-mandated module training, plus one additional health worker, plus one driver. [1]
- Equipment: Defibrillator, ventilator, ECG, emergency delivery kit, burn kits, trauma equipment — advanced life support tools comparable to Intensive Care Unit (ICU) conditions. [1][2]
- Use Cases: Life-threatening emergencies such as heart attacks, severe traffic accidents, stroke, and respiratory arrest; the emergency ambulance is designed for on-scene intervention and stabilization. [1]
Intensive Care Unit (ICU) Ambulance (Red Stripe)
The Intensive Care Unit (ICU) ambulance is a specialized red-striped ambulance type designed for transporting patients who require advanced monitoring and treatment during transit. [1]
Vehicle Features:
- Body Color: White, with a red phosphorescent and microprismatic reflective stripe (same appearance as emergency ambulances). [1]
- Crew: Minimum three persons: at least two health workers (one of whom must be a physician or paramedic), plus one driver. [1]
- Equipment: In addition to emergency ambulance equipment, the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) ambulance carries advanced monitoring systems, infusion pumps, and specialized medical devices enabling Intensive Care Unit (ICU)-level care during transport. [1]
- Use Cases: Transfer of critical patients from Intensive Care Unit (ICU) units, post-operative patients requiring advanced monitoring, and intercity critical care transports.
Blue-Striped Ambulance: Patient Transport Ambulance
A blue stripe indicates a Patient Transport Ambulance. The new regulation of 8 January 2025 redefined these ambulances' appearance and equipment rules, and the June 2025 amendment further updated the warning-light and training requirements. [1][3]
Vehicle Features:
- Body Color: Gray (RAL 7004). This color is set by the 8 January 2025 Ambulances and Emergency Health Vehicles and Ambulance Services Regulation (OG-8/1/2025-32776, Article 8). The vehicle is bordered by a phosphorescent, blue, microprismatic reflective stripe at least 200 mm wide. [1]
- Light System: The blue warning light must be instantly detachable. An audio warning system is present. [3]
- Crew: Minimum two persons: one health worker and one driver. [1]
- Equipment: Basic first aid supplies, stretcher, oxygen cylinder, and blood pressure monitor. [1] Advanced Intensive Care Unit (ICU)-level devices found in emergency ambulances are not present.
- Use Cases: Transfer of stable patients between hospitals, transport to dialysis or physiotherapy appointments, and discharges from hospital to home. Patient transport ambulances cannot be used for cases requiring emergency medical intervention (Article 30/g). [1][3]
Regulatory Restriction (Article 30/g): Patient transport ambulances cannot be used for transporting patients requiring emergency medical intervention. If an emergency develops during transport, flashers are activated and audio warning systems may be used with Health Command Control Center (SKKM) approval. [1][3]
Special-Purpose Ambulances
The fourth category defined by the 2025 regulation covers ambulances specially designed based on the geographical and architectural characteristics of the service area and the physical and medical conditions of patients. These belong to the Ministry and public institutions. [1]
Examples:
- Terrain Ambulance: For access in mountainous and rough terrain.
- Multi-Stretcher Ambulance: For transporting multiple patients in mass casualty situations.
- Neonatal Ambulance: Equipped with incubators and neonatal equipment.
- Bariatric Ambulance: Features wide stretchers and specialized transport systems for larger patients.
- Medical Rescue Ambulance: Carries specialized intervention equipment for trapped patients.
A minimum crew of three (at least two health workers, one of whom must be a physician or paramedic, plus one driver) serves in these ambulances. Colors and markings are determined separately by the Ministry. [1]
Mandatory Training: New Regulation
The June 2025 amendment made it mandatory for all health personnel working in ambulances to complete Ministry-determined training programs (Article 7/4). [3] This ensures consistent quality of personnel across all ambulance types.
Note: Nova Ambulance adopts Emergency Ambulance standards for all services, enabling both emergency response and patient transport with top-level safety and equipment.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which ambulance type should I call in an emergency?
For life-threatening emergencies such as heart attacks, stroke, severe trauma, or respiratory arrest, call 112 or Nova Ambulans (0216 339 00 39). Both will dispatch the appropriate ambulance type. Red-stripe (emergency) ambulances carry advanced life support equipment and specialized medical teams.
Note: Private hospitals may not be able to admit patients due to capacity limitations. In such cases, Nova Ambulance arranges the most suitable alternative private hospital or safely transports the patient to the nearest public hospital.
Can a blue-stripe ambulance be used in emergencies?
No. Per Article 30(g) of the 2025 regulation, patient transport ambulances cannot be used for patients requiring emergency medical intervention. [1][3] However, if an unexpected emergency develops during transport, flashers are activated and audio warning systems can be engaged with Health Command Control Center (SKKM) approval.
What is the body color of a patient transport ambulance?
The body color of a patient transport ambulance is gray (RAL 7004). This color was set by the 8 January 2025 Ambulances and Emergency Health Vehicles and Ambulance Services Regulation (OG-8/1/2025-32776, Article 8) as part of the new ambulance classification. [1] The gray body makes it easier to distinguish emergency ambulances (white) from patient transport ambulances (gray) in traffic. The June 2025 amendment separately introduced the requirement that the blue warning light be detachable. [3]
What is an Intensive Care Unit (ICU) ambulance and when is it needed?
An Intensive Care Unit (ICU) ambulance is a specialized ambulance type designed for critical patients who need advanced monitoring and treatment during transport. [1] It is used for transfers from intensive care units to other hospitals, post-operative transport, and intercity critical patient transfers. It has a white body with red stripes like emergency ambulances, but additionally carries advanced monitoring devices and Intensive Care Unit (ICU)-level medical equipment.
How many personnel are staffed in each ambulance type?
Staffing varies by ambulance class: [1]
- Emergency ambulance: Min 3 (physician/paramedic/trained EMT + health worker + driver)
- Patient transport ambulance: Min 2 (health worker + driver)
- Intensive Care Unit (ICU) ambulance: Min 3 (physician or paramedic + health worker + driver)
- Special-purpose ambulance: Min 3 (physician or paramedic + health worker + driver)
How can I tell ambulance types apart when requesting private ambulance service?
Look at the body color and stripe color: white body + red stripe = emergency or Intensive Care Unit (ICU) ambulance; gray body + blue stripe = patient transport ambulance. The ambulance class is also written on both sides of the vehicle. Determine whether you need emergency intervention or planned transport, then always ask the provider which ambulance type will serve you.
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This content is informational only and does not replace professional medical evaluation. In emergencies, call 112 or +90 216 339 00 39.