Private Ambulance: When to Hire Private Emergency Medical Services

When a medical emergency arises or specialized patient transport is required, a private ambulance emerges as an essential alternative to the public healthcare system. This service offers specialized medical care, immediate availability, and state-of-the-art equipment to ensure the safe transportation of people in a variety of situations.

A private ambulance is a medical evacuation service that provides basic and advanced care, operating 24 hours a day for urgent, emergency, and hospital transfers.Unlike the public system, these services offer greater agility in service and can be contracted both for specific cases and through agreements.

Brasil Emergências Médicas is a leading provider in this segment, offering everything from basic support ambulances to private mobile ICUs. The service covers a variety of services, including hospital evacuations, event coverage, and transfers between healthcare facilities. Prices vary depending on the type of ambulance and the complexity of the care required.

What is a Private Ambulance?

One private ambulanceA specialized vehicle equipped for medical patient transportation, operated by private companies with qualified staff and specialized equipment. This service operates independently of the public system, offering different types of care depending on the patient's needs.

Differences between Private and Public Ambulance

The main difference is in theagility of service. Private ambulances do not depend on the public system queue, allowing direct scheduling.

ThecostIt varies significantly. The public service is free through the SUS (Unified Health System), while the private service charges amounts that can vary from R$2,500 to R$6,000 per removal.

Equipment and staffalso differ. Private services often offer more modern equipment and specialized teams dedicated exclusively to contracted transportation.

A availabilityis another important factor. Private ambulances operate 24 hours a day with response times generally shorter than those of the public system.

Types of Private Ambulances

Basic Support AmbulanceIt is equipped with basic first aid materials, oxygen, and immobilization equipment. It handles minor cases and simple transportation.

Mobile ICUIt has advanced equipment such as mechanical ventilators, cardiac monitors, defibrillators, and oximeters. It also has a specialized doctor and nurse for critical cases.

Removal AmbulanceIt is specifically designed for transporting stable patients between hospitals or for examinations. It has intermediate equipment and a qualified technical team.

Who can use the service

Health plansThey often cover private ambulance services in emergencies or authorized removals. It is necessary to check the coverage conditions.

Private patientsThey can directly hire the service by paying out of pocket. There are no specific restrictions on hiring.

Hospitals and clinicsThey use private ambulances to transfer patients between units or for specific procedures.

Companiescan hire the service for employees in cases of work accidents or medical emergencies in the corporate environment.

Main Services Offered

Private ambulances provide a variety of specialized medical services, from planned transportation to emergency situations. Services include transportation between healthcare facilities, private event coverage, and home care with qualified medical teams.

Planned Medical Transport

Planned medical transportation serves patients who need to travel for appointments, exams, or medical procedures. This service is ideal for people with reduced mobility or conditions that prevent the use of conventional transportation.

The private ambulance offers vehicles equipped withbasic medical equipmentand trained professionals. The patient receives support throughout the journey.

This type of medical care requires prior scheduling. Companies assess the patient's condition to determine the level of care required during transport.

The service includes:

• Transportation to medical appointments
• Travel for diagnostic exams
• Monitoring for physiotherapy sessions
• Post-hospital discharge transportation

Transfer Between Hospitals

Inter-hospital transfer services transport patients from one medical facility to another. This service is essential when transfers to specialized centers or ICU beds are required.

Removal can be simple or complex, depending on the patient's clinical condition. Severe cases requireMobile ICUwith respirators and heart monitors.

Medical professionals and nurses accompany transport in critical situations. They provide first aid and continuously monitor vital signs.

Removal types:

• Simple removal: stable patients
• ICU removal: critically ill patients with advanced support
• Emergency inter-hospital transport

Event Coverage

A private ambulanceOffers medical coverage for corporate, sporting, and social events. This service ensures immediate assistance in case of emergencies during the event.

Medical personnel are on standby at the scene with first aid equipment. They assess and stabilize victims before transporting them to hospitals when necessary.

The type of coverage varies depending on the size and characteristics of the event. Larger events may require multiple ambulances and specialized medical teams.

Events covered:

• Sports competitions
• Shows and festivals
• Business conventions
• Weddings and parties

Home Care

Home care brings medical care to the patient's home. This service is useful for emergencies, appointments, or when travel is difficult for the patient.

The medical team arrives at the home with portable diagnostic and first aid equipment. They perform a clinical assessment and decide whether hospital transfer is necessary.

The service operates 24 hours a day and addresses a variety of medical situations. The response is fast, especially in cases of urgency or home emergencies.

Situations covered:

• Home medical emergencies
• Scheduled home consultations
• Application of medications
• Post-operative care at home

Basic and Advanced Support Ambulances

Private ambulances are classified into two main types: Basic Support Units (BSUs) and Advanced Support Units (ASUs). Each type has specific equipment and distinct medical indications for different levels of severity.

When to use Basic Support Ambulance

The basic support ambulance is indicated for inter-hospital transport of stable patients. It is also used for less complex cases that do not pose an immediate risk to life.

Conscious patients with stable vital signs are ideal candidates for this type of transport. The private basic support ambulance handles scheduled transfers between hospitals.

Main indications:

• Transfer of patients for examinations
• Transportation after hospital discharge
• Low complexity removals
• Simple emergency care

Doctors prescribe this type of treatment when the patient does not require invasive procedures during transport. A prior medical evaluation determines whether basic support is sufficient for the patient's needs.

Basic Support Resources and Equipment

Type B ambulances offer essential life-sustaining equipment. They are equipped with devices for cardiac monitoring and oxygen administration.

Mandatory equipment:

• Automated External Defibrillator
• Oxygen cylinders
• Dressing materials
• Immobilization equipment
• Basic heart rate monitor

The team consists of nursing technicians and qualified drivers. Professionals trained in basic life support accompany the patient throughout the journey.

Basic emergency medications are part of the mandatory kit. Medical care focuses on stabilization and continuous monitoring of vital signs.

Indication for UTI/Advanced Ambulance

Advanced life support ambulances are designed to transport critically ill patients. High-risk cases requiring invasive procedures require this type of ambulance.

Patients in critical condition or with hemodynamic instability requireMobile ICUSpecialized medical care is essential to maintain vital functions during transport.

Situations requiring advanced support:

• Intubated or tracheostomized patients
• Use of vasoactive drugs
• Mechanical ventilation
• Invasive monitoring
• Emergency procedures

The team includes a doctor and a nurse specializing in intensive care. Advanced equipment allows for complex procedures during the journey.

The cost is higher than basic support due to the complexity of the equipment. The medical prescription must specify the need for advanced support for transport authorization.

24-Hour Operation and Availability

The 24-hour private ambulance service operates with specialized teams ready to respond to medical emergencies at any time. The service operates through control centers that coordinate the dispatch of equipped vehicles and trained professionals.

How to Call a Private Ambulance 24 Hours

Contacting a 24-hour private ambulance can be done via phone, mobile apps, or the provider's websites. Most services maintain active call centers around the clock.

Activation methods:

• Phone call to the company number
• Specific mobile applications
• Online platforms
• Agreements with health plans

The applicant must provide basic information such as location, type of emergency, and patient information. Some services offer pre-registration to expedite the process.

The control center assesses the situation and determines the type of vehicle required. Mobile intensive care units are dispatched for serious cases, while basic ambulances handle less complex situations.

Emergency Care Process

The medical team begins first aid at the scene. Professionals assess vital signs and administer stabilizing procedures as needed.

Transport is carried out with continuous patient monitoring. Equipment such as defibrillators, oxygen, and emergency medications are available throughout the journey.

Standard procedures:

• Initial patient assessment
• On-site stabilization
• Monitored transport
• Communication with the destination hospital

The team maintains direct contact with the receiving hospital to update the patient's status. This allows the hospital to adequately prepare for the case.

Routine and Response Time

The average response time ranges from 15 to 30 minutes in urban areas. Factors such as traffic, location, and type of emergency directly influence this timeframe.

Companies maintain strategically positioned fleets in different regions. This distribution reduces travel time to the scene of an incident.

Factors affecting time:

• Traffic conditions
• Distance from the location
• Vehicle availability
• Complexity of the emergency

Private ambulance services offer advantages such as shorter wait times compared to the public system. Many companies guarantee response within 20 minutes for critical emergencies.

Medical staff are on call for situations requiring specialized intervention. Some services provide intensive care physicians in mobile ICUs during peak periods.

Costs, Contracting Methods and Agreements

Private ambulance prices range from R$200 to R$6,000 depending on the type of service. Contracts can be arranged through various payment methods, with some health insurance plans covering part or all of the costs.

Factors that Influence Price

The type of ambulance is the main determining factor in price. Simple ambulances cost between R$200 and R$450, while mobile ICUs range from R$2,500 to R$6,000.

The distance traveled directly influences the final cost. Many companies charge per kilometer, especially for long-distance removals.

The level of medical care required also impacts costs. Services requiring specialist doctors or advanced equipment cost more than simple transportation.

Other factors include:

• Geographical location
• Urgency of care
• Request time
• Specific medical equipment

Event coverage generally has different prices. The length of stay at the venue is also considered when determining the final price.

Payment Methods

Private ambulance companies offer different billing methods. The most common method is pay-per-kilometer, especially for evacuation services.

Time-of-use payment applies when the ambulance is on standby. This method is common for events or extended medical follow-ups.

Available payment methods:

• Per kilometer driven
• Per hour of service
• Fixed fee per service
• Monthly or annual plans

Some companies offer healthcare plans for individuals. These plans guarantee services at pre-established prices or significant discounts.

Payment can be made by card, bank transfer, or bank slip. Larger companies accept installment plans for larger amounts.

Health Insurance Coverage

Many health plans cover private ambulance services with prior authorization. Coverage varies depending on the type of plan purchased.

Basic plans typically cover only proven emergencies. Premium plans include elective evacuations and transportation to specialist appointments.

Reimbursement may be full or partial, depending on the carrier. A medical report justifying the need for transportation is required.

Documents required for reimbursement:

• Service invoice
• Medical report
• Prior authorization (when required)
• Refund Request Form

Some health plans have an accredited network of private ambulances. In these cases, care is provided directly without the need for any initial out-of-pocket expenses.

Advantages and Benefits of Private Ambulance

Private ambulances offer significant advantages over public emergency transportation. Key benefits include increased safety in medical care, faster response times, and fully personalized services.

Patient Safety and Comfort

Private ambulances are equipped with high-quality medical equipment and rigorous maintenance. The vehicles undergo frequent inspections and feature advanced monitoring technology.

Patient comfort is given special attention during medical transport. Stretchers feature superior cushioning systems and personalized temperature control.

Available equipment:

• State-of-the-art heart monitors
• Portable mechanical ventilators
• Automatic defibrillators
• Complete oxygenation systems

The medical team maintains ongoing training and specialized experience. Professionals can dedicate exclusive attention to the patient without overloading their care.

Agility and Flexibility

Private ambulance response times are significantly shorter than public services. Immediate availability allows assistance within minutes of a call.

Flexible schedules meet specific patient needs. The service operates 24 hours a day and adapts to scheduled appointments or unforeseen emergencies.

Usage situations:

• Home medical emergencies
• Transfers between hospitals
• Transportation for scheduled exams
• Sporting and corporate events

Routes can be optimized based on the patient's clinical condition. The operations center selects the most appropriate routes, avoiding heavy traffic.

Personalized Service

Personalized medical care takes into account each patient's individual needs. The team adapts protocols based on specific pathologies and clinical history.

Patients with reduced mobility receive specialized care during transport. Elderly people and people with disabilities receive special care.

Direct communication with family members keeps everyone informed about the patient's condition. Professionals explain procedures performed and provide clear guidance.

The service allows you to choose your preferred hospital based on your health insurance plan. The team coordinates admissions and exams directly with the selected institutions.