Bariatric ambulances are designed to transport obese patients safely and comfortably, with reinforced cots and ramps capable of supporting heavy loads. They can be used in both emergency and non-emergency situations, but some communities charge a premium for their use due to the additional expense of purchasing and maintaining the specially designed vehicle. The practice of charging extra is controversial, with some arguing it is unfair and discriminatory.
A bariatric ambulance is an ambulance designed and equipped to transport very large people. These vehicles are capable of meeting the needs of obese patients who need to be transported to a hospital or other healthcare facility. Typically, these ambulances are larger than the average ambulance and are equipped with large, reinforced wheeled cots for patients, as well as ramps capable of supporting heavy loads. The bariatric ambulance not only protects the well-being and dignity of those in need of such accommodation, but it can also protect first responders who risk back strains and other injuries while attempting to transport an obese patient. In some communities, patients requiring the services of a bariatric ambulance may be charged a premium over the cost of regular ambulance services due to the additional expense of purchasing and maintaining the specially designed vehicle.
While most ambulances are able to accommodate people of various shapes and sizes, some individuals are so obese that they cannot fit on an ambulance cot or inside a standard ambulance. There is also a significant risk of injury to both the patient and emergency personnel in situations where a cot or ramp collapses during patient transport to or from an ambulance. Some bariatric ambulances can safely carry and transport an individual weighing up to 1,200 pounds (approximately 544 kg).
Bariatric ambulances can be used in both emergency and non-emergency conditions. For example, if an obese person is involved in an accident or suffers a serious health emergency, family members could inform emergency services that a bariatric ambulance is needed to avoid unnecessary delays in getting medical care for their loved one. In other cases, an obese individual may be too old to drive in mid-sized vehicles or may even be bedridden and unable to reach a car on their own. In such cases, bariatric ambulance can help the person get to a health care facility for appropriate medical care.
The practice of adding a surcharge to the cost of a regular ambulance for bariatric ambulance users is controversial. Some proponents argue that this supplement is unfair and discriminatory against those who are significantly overweight. Those who argue for the additional expenses argue that they are necessary for communities to continue to offer this service, as there are additional expenses involved in manufacturing and maintaining a bariatric ambulance.
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