September 10, 2025

Emergency response is one of the crucial factors that play a significant role in maintaining and safeguarding the country’s healthcare system. Critical situations can occur at any time, and having immediate access to ambulance services is crucial during such emergencies. These services act as the connecting link between patients and hospitals, delivering timely and reliable access to quality medical care within minutes.

In India, however, aspects like diversity in the geographical regions and populations pose a challenge to smooth and effective emergency care. Taking this into account, the government of India introduced several helplines, such as Emergency Ambulance (108/102), enabling access to immediate emergency care anytime, anywhere. In the blog below, we shall throw light on these emergency medical services, their types, how to access them, and their significance in delivering timely care when it matters most.

​Understanding Ambulance Services

Ambulances are more than just vehicles for medical transport; they offer critical care and support to patients in need. Right from delivering on-site care to ensuring continuous monitoring while en route, these vehicles act as lifelines during emergency situations. They are the bridge that closes the gap between critical medical emergencies and timely response. Furthermore, depending on the medical situation, there are various types of ambulances available. Helpline numbers such as 102 for pregnant women, 108 for emergency ambulances, etc., are widely used across India.

​When to Call for an Ambulance?

Ambulances are used not just in critical situations but also for scheduled medical transports, hospital transfers and pregnancy-related cases.

Medical emergencies where it is crucial to call for an ambulance include:

• Chest pain
• Unconsciousness
• Severe bleeding
• Accident
• Trauma cases
• Seizure
• Stroke

Such cases demand immediate medical care and support, making ambulances a lifesaving unit. At Zenplus Private Limited, we offer rapid and reliable emergency medical services within minutes, delivering critical care when it’s needed most.

​How to Access Ambulance Services?

Depending on your medical situation, ambulance services can be availed simply by dialing helpline numbers like 102 for pregnant women, 108 for an emergency ambulance, or even 112 for all kinds of emergencies, including medical. It takes three simple steps to book an ambulance; they include:

Step 1: Dial the helpline toll-free number whenever needed.

Step 2: Explain your emergency to the operator while sharing other details such as the patient’s condition and location.

Step 3: The ambulance will reach your location soon. Hold on.

Types of Ambulances

In India, most ambulances belong to two main categories. This includes government ambulances and private ambulances. Government-run ambulances often work through helplines such as the Emergency Ambulance (108/102) and are free of cost, whereas private ambulances have varying costs depending on the type and the amenities that come with it. Apart from these two main categories, the other types of ambulances available include the following:

Basic Life Support (BLS) Ambulance 

These ambulances are equipped with basic medical gadgets ideal for situations that require primary medical care and support, such as scheduled transports, medical transfers, etc. They are staffed by EMTs and paramedics trained to perform basic medical care and deliver life-saving interventions.  

Advanced Life Support (ALS) Ambulance

Fitted with the best of medical equipment and gadgets, the Advanced Life Support ambulance is used for medical cases that require critical care and continuous monitoring. They are staffed by experienced and highly skilled medical professionals who are trained to perform advanced medical intervention, administer medications, and ensure life-saving care while en route. For instance, in emergency cases, when individuals dial the 102 or the 108 helpline number, the operator analyzes the patient’s condition and case severity to decide on whether an ALS or BLS ambulance has to be deployed.

Neonatal Ambulance

A neonatal ambulance is designed mainly to transport newborn babies, especially those who are in a critical condition and require constant monitoring and care. These ambulances are fitted with ventilators, oxygen supply, and other essential gadgets.

Air Ambulance

Often used for long-distance transports, air ambulances are ideal for critically ill patients, often in remote or far-off areas that lack high-quality medical facilities. They are either helicopter units or plane units that are equipped with highly advanced gadgets and staffed by experienced professionals who deliver continuous care and support.

Train Ambulance

Similar to an air ambulance, train ambulances are also designed for long-distance medical transport. They are ideal for patients that require a more stable form of transport and continuous care on the go.

Hearse Ambulance

Also known as mortuary vans, hearse ambulances are meant to transport deceased individuals to the cemetery, crematorium, or other designated location. These are equipped with stretchers and cooling systems to ensure a smooth and secure final journey.

​Key Features of Emergency Ambulances

Most ambulance services, whether government or private, operate in a manner that ensures medical help reaches you without any delay. Some of their key features are as follows:

• Rapid Response: During emergencies, every moment matters and therefore, ambulances strive to provide rapid and reliable response whenever needed.
• Advanced Equipment: Through the use of advanced equipment and timely interventions, they reduce mortality rates to a great extent.
• Expert Staff: All ambulances are equipped with a professional medical team that ensures continuous care and monitoring on the go.
• Streamlined Services: Most ambulance crews maintain seamless communication with the receiving hospital to ensure a smooth and secure handover upon arrival.
• 24/7 Availability: Similar to any emergency service, ambulances are functional around the clock, ensuring no call for help goes unanswered.

Wrapping Up

To conclude, ambulance services are not just a bridging mechanism between hospitals and patients, but rather a lifeline that boosts public health and strengthens their trust in the nation’s healthcare system. From providing basic medical transports to saving lives during critical moments, these vehicles deliver life-saving care anytime and anywhere it’s needed most.