What Determines Ambulance Fees?

What Determines Ambulance Fees?

During a medical emergency, the very first thing you require is instant assistance. Dialling an ambulance is one of the most critical actions. However, most people are concerned about the fees. In Mumbai and surrounding regions, ambulance service charges in mumbai aren’t always equal. They differ depending on several small but crucial factors.

Let us find out what determines the fee of an ambulance service.

  • Ambulance Type

The ambulance type you select greatly affects the end price.

A standard ambulance is the most affordable. It has a stretcher, first aid, and an oxygen cylinder. It is suitable for stable individuals who require safe transportation.

A cardiac ambulance includes equipment such as an ECG, ventilators, and monitors. It is required for heart patients or extremely serious cases. These are more expensive.

An ICU ambulance is equivalent to a miniature hospital on wheels. It is fitted with the support of an entire ICU, with or without a nurse or a doctor. Such an ambulance costs the most.

It’s also equipped with mortuary vans for bringing down deceased persons. Freezer vans cost more than regular vans.

  • Distance to Travel

The distance the ambulance needs to travel also contributes towards the costs.If the hospital is close, it costs less. But if the ambulance must cover long distances within or outside of Mumbai, then the rates increase. There are some services that charge by the kilometre once a limit has been reached. It is safer to specifically ask about distance fees before booking.

  • Equipment Required Medically

In some cases, the patient requires something more than a stretcher and oxygen.If you request a ventilator, defibrillator, suction pump, or special monitors, the ambulance service charges extra. Each device adds to the overall charge. Having the proper equipment is important for safe patient care, particularly in severe emergencies.

  • Requirement of Medical Personnel

In most emergencies, an educated individual must accompany the patient.If the patient’s condition is critical, services dispatch a nurse, paramedic, or even a physician with the ambulance. Employing skilled medical personnel is an additional charge on the core ambulance fee. More severe conditions need expert medical attention during transportation.

  • Time of Booking

The timing when you make the booking also varies the fee.Late-night or early-morning reservations are sometimes more expensive. Ambulances reserved during public holidays or heavy rains in Mumbai may also have additional costs because of demand and delays. It is best to inquire regarding time-based additional charges.

  • Waiting Time

When the ambulance in mumbai crew arrives at the pickup place and has to wait for an extended period, they can charge more.

For instance, if you have to transport a patient from one hospital to another and the paperwork is time-consuming, waiting charges can be applicable. Some services provide 15–20 minutes free, then charge extra per hour.

  • Type of Patient Transport

The type of patient also influences the cost. For instance, moving a serious ICU patient requires extra care and equipment. Therefore, it is expensive. Moving a dead body also requires special trucks such as freezer vans. The vans are expensive about regular ambulances.

There are several factors that influence ambulance costs in Mumbai.  You must prepare in case of emergencies. Always know complete information about rates before making a booking. It saves time, money, and confusion when every second counts. Preparation and awareness can play a key role when help is most urgently needed.