Intercity Ambulance Service: What You Need to Know

Patient transport between cities is not a standard journey. Long distance increases risk and the process is tiring. Therefore, intercity transport requires special planning, equipment, and experience.

Why is Intercity Transport a Special Service?

• Medical Monitoring Requiring Continuity: The patient's vital signs (heart rhythm, blood pressure, oxygen level, etc.) must be monitored continuously throughout the journey. [1]Source: World Health Organization -- Patient Transport Safety — World Health Organization[3]Source: European Resuscitation Council (ERC) — European Resuscitation Council
• Comfort and Stability: For long road conditions not to affect the patient negatively, the ambulance's suspension system and stretcher must be comfortable and minimize shaking. [2]Source: T.C. Ministry of Health -- Ambulance and Emergency Health Vehicles Regulation — T.C. Sağlık Bakanlığı
• Emergency Intervention Capacity: Having a health team with equipment and competence to intervene in sudden deterioration in the patient's condition during the journey is vital. [3]Source: European Resuscitation Council (ERC) — European Resuscitation Council

How Does the Process Work?

1. Preliminary Evaluation and Planning: First, the ambulance service's operation center receives detailed information about the patient's current condition (epicrisis report) and the medical support they need (respiratory device, special medications, etc.). [2]Source: T.C. Ministry of Health -- Ambulance and Emergency Health Vehicles Regulation — T.C. Sağlık Bakanlığı The most suitable team and equipment are determined according to this information.
2. Team and Vehicle Preparation: The transport team is formed according to the patient's condition. A doctor is definitely included in the team for critical patients. [2]Source: T.C. Ministry of Health -- Ambulance and Emergency Health Vehicles Regulation — T.C. Sağlık Bakanlığı[3]Source: European Resuscitation Council (ERC) — European Resuscitation Council The ambulance is equipped with all medical devices, medications, and consumables necessary for the journey.
3. Route Planning: The safest and fastest route is determined. Places to take a break for the needs of the patient and the team are planned in advance.
4. Patient Pickup and Transport: The team takes the patient from their bed and places them safely in the ambulance. The patient is kept under constant supervision throughout the journey. [1]Source: World Health Organization -- Patient Transport Safety — World Health Organization
5. Delivery to Destination: The ambulance team delivers the patient to their bed in the target hospital and gives a detailed briefing (epicrisis) to the relevant health personnel about the patient's condition. [2]Source: T.C. Ministry of Health -- Ambulance and Emergency Health Vehicles Regulation — T.C. Sağlık Bakanlığı

What Should Be Considered?

• Question the experience of the company you will receive service from regarding intercity patient transport.
• Learn the equipment level of the ambulance that will perform the transport (Emergency Aid/Intensive Care or Patient Transport?). [2]Source: T.C. Ministry of Health -- Ambulance and Emergency Health Vehicles Regulation — T.C. Sağlık Bakanlığı
• Ask for transparent information about the total cost and what is included in the price.
• Ask if a companion is accepted and the conditions.

As Nova Ambulans, we offer intercity patient transport service to all over Turkey with our fully equipped intensive care supported ambulances and experienced teams, keeping our patients' safety and comfort at the highest level.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long in advance should I make a reservation for intercity ambulance service?

In non-urgent planned transports, it is ideal to make a reservation at least 1–2 days in advance; thus, appropriate team and vehicle planning can be done. In more urgent but stable situations, organization may be possible within the same day; however, timing alternatives may be limited.

Is a companion taken for the patient in intercity transport?

Generally, one companion is allowed; but this may change according to the patient's condition and vehicle layout. Informing the number of companions and special needs (e.g., mobility restriction) in advance is important for safe planning.

Can I change the route or target hospital during transport?

Although route changes are possible as long as they are not medically objectionable, unplanned stops may affect the time and cost balance. Destination changes must definitely be evaluated with the team doctor or responsible health personnel.