When a family member needs to go to hospital, the first question on the call is usually: which ambulance do you need? Here is a plain-language guide. If you are unsure, describe the patient’s condition to the dispatcher — they will help you choose.
The four main types
India’s ambulance standard, AIS-125, groups road ambulances into types based on the care they can provide.
| Type | Common name | Who it is for |
|---|---|---|
| Type B | Patient transport | Stable patients: discharge, dialysis, check-ups, bed-ridden patients |
| Type C | BLS (Basic Life Support) | Stable patients who need oxygen and basic monitoring |
| Type D | ALS (Advanced Life Support) | Serious emergencies: chest pain, stroke, major injury, breathing difficulty |
| Type D + ventilator | ICU / ventilator ambulance | Critically ill or ventilated patients, ICU-to-ICU transfers |
Patient transport ambulance
Best for planned, non-emergency trips. It has a stretcher, wheelchair and a trained attendant. Choose this for hospital discharge, regular dialysis or moving an elderly or bed-ridden patient.
BLS (oxygen) ambulance
A BLS ambulance adds oxygen, a pulse oximeter and blood-pressure monitoring. It suits patients who are stable but need oxygen or observation on the way.
ALS (cardiac) ambulance
An ALS ambulance carries a cardiac monitor, defibrillator, emergency medicines and a paramedic trained in advanced life support. Choose it for chest pain, suspected heart attack or stroke, unconsciousness, seizures, severe breathing difficulty or serious accidents.
ICU / ventilator ambulance
The ICU ambulance is the highest level of road care: a transport ventilator, multipara monitor, infusion pumps and usually a doctor or critical-care paramedic. It is used when the patient is on a ventilator or may become unstable during the trip — for example when shifting between ICUs or to a higher-care hospital.
Quick rule of thumb
- Patient is stable and only needs to be moved → patient transport.
- Stable but needs oxygen → BLS.
- Emergency or could get worse quickly → ALS.
- On a ventilator or in the ICU → ICU ambulance. Ask the treating doctor.
When in doubt, choose the higher level of care, and always follow the treating doctor’s advice.
This article is general information, not medical advice. In a life-threatening emergency, call an ambulance immediately or dial 112.