Importantly, in an emergency situation you should ALWAYS dial 999.
A private ambulance is NOT an emergency service. It can however take you to hospital, if the provider carries the required accreditation.
Why?
A private ambulance service may be suitable for many different people for many different reasons. If you are not able to comfortably or safely sit in a normal car or have difficulties taking public transport a private ambulance will allow you to remain in a wheelchair or lay in a stretcher. The crew of a private ambulance will also be extremely useful for those who have mobility issues and might need assistance transferring into a vehicle or for those who may need medical attention throughout a journey. For a variety of reasons a private ambulance may offer a safer and more comfortable mode of transportation for wherever you may need to go.
When? Where?
A private ambulance may be suitable for a variety of situations. Possibly the most obvious reason would be for transport to the hospital. Whether you need to be taken to an appointment and back home again or you are being admitted to hospital for a longer stay, a private ambulance may be a useful service to allow you to get to your desired hospital safely and easily. If you are moving to a care home a patient transport might be a good choice for transporting you there. Or if you are going to an event or to visit someone but would struggle to get there by other means you could consider using a private ambulance. Essentially wherever you might need to go a private ambulance may offer a more practical, safe, and comfortable way to get there.
Who? How?
If you decide a private ambulance might be right for you it is vital you make sure the service provider you choose is reputable and has all the correct accreditation. Start with looking at a company’s Care Quality Commission (CQC) rating, or for registrations like the Independent Ambulance Association (IAA). These institutions act to regulate the industry and a good CQC rating will show you that a provider is a reputable and safe choice. Another good approach is to look at a company’s website and reviews to gauge if the provider is a good choice for your needs and whether they will provide a good service.
Do you need an ambulance transfer?