PUBLISHER: Market Xcel - Markets and Data | PRODUCT CODE: 1442596
PUBLISHER: Market Xcel - Markets and Data | PRODUCT CODE: 1442596
Ambulance Services Market Assessment, By Mode of Transportation, By Equipment, By Type of Service, By Region, Opportunities and Forecast, 2017-2031F
Global ambulance services market is projected to witness a CAGR of 9.71% during the forecast period 2024-2031, growing from USD 48.72 billion in 2023 to USD 102.21 billion in 2031. The ambulance service industry is experiencing growth due to several reasons. One of them is the aging population, which is more susceptible to chronic diseases like obesity, diabetes, and heart disease. Another contributing factor is the shortage of primary care providers and clinics, which results in an increased reliance on emergency services. Furthermore, there is a rise in chronic diseases, traumatic accidents, and the geriatric population, which further increases the demand for ambulance services. In some cases, people with underlying chronic illnesses, recent bereavement, or following discharge from the hospital tend to make high use of the emergency ambulance service. Additionally, policies like the Affordable Care Act (ACA) have imposed financial penalties on hospitals for patient readmissions, which incentivizes hospitals to rely on ambulance services for non-urgent transportation and reduce readmissions, further enhancing growth in the market.
However, regulatory guidelines for vehicles, supplies, and services provided may pose challenges to expanding the market. Particularly in the United States market, the certificate of necessity is one such example of regulatory obligations. Increasing inter-facility travel between specialty healthcare facilities is another significant challenge for the market. Contractual limitation between service providers and healthcare facilities also limits the expansion for local players.
In November 2023, The Queen Creek Fire and Medical Department in the United States revealed their plans to expand their ambulance service, with a budget of USD 4.6 million. This will involve purchasing five new ambulances at a cost of USD 1.9 million, as well as ongoing operating expenses of USD 2.7 million. Previously, Queen Creek had relied mainly on a private ambulance company, American Medical Response, which also serves other nearby communities.
Technological Advancements in Ambulances
Technological advancements in ambulances have significantly transformed the ambulance services market. These advancements include the use of RFID, 5G connectivity, high-resolution video calling, remote healthcare solutions, and integrated healthcare systems. The integration of these technologies has improved the efficacy, efficiency, and safety of ambulance services, leading to better patient care and outcomes. Additionally, remote healthcare solutions and integrated healthcare systems have enabled faster and more effective delivery of care. Furthermore, disinfection technologies, such as ultraviolet light disinfection systems, have become crucial for ensuring the cleanliness and safety of ambulance equipment. Overall, these technological advancements have played a vital role in the evolution of ambulance services, ultimately benefiting both the public and healthcare providers.
In October 2023, 5G-connected ambulances were launched, which are developed under collaboration between Chunghwa Telecom and Ericsson 5G for St. Paul's Hospital, Canada. These ambulances are enabled by network slicing technology on 5G standalone architecture. Isolated network slices and radio resource partitioning guarantee seamless transmission of patients' real-time data and 4K videos from ambulances to hospitals. This collaboration is a significant step towards enhancing emergency medical care with 5G technology.
Growing Number of Trauma Cases
The growing number of trauma cases increases the demand for ambulance services due to the need for timely and specialized medical care for critically injured patients. Traumatic injuries are a leading cause of death, and the timely transport of patients to trauma hospitals is crucial for their survival. Research has shown that an increase in trauma cases leads to a higher demand for emergency ambulance services, impacting the quality of care, healthcare costs, and the number of admissions in emergency departments. In addition to physical trauma, mental health emergencies also contribute to the demand for ambulance services. The COVID-19 pandemic and related lockdowns have impacted the demand for ambulance services, with changes in the number and types of emergency cases being observed.
According to the Global Status Report on Road Safety 2023 published by WHO estimates that around 1.19 million road traffic deaths occurred in 2021 corresponding to a rate of 15 road traffic deaths per 100,000 population.
Dominance of Ground Ambulance Segment While Fast Growth for Air Ambulances
The ground ambulance segment has a dominant position in the ambulance services market. This is primarily because they are widely preferred during emergency services due to various factors such as heavy traffic, expanding metropolitan population, and increasing demand for pre-hospital emergency services on the ground. Ground ambulances are the most used type of ambulance, offering a range of services from basic to advanced life support. They play a crucial role in ensuring timely and efficient transportation of patients to medical facilities, especially in areas where air transportation is impractical, such as inside residential areas. While ground ambulances dominate the market, the growing incidence of accidents in remote places or inaccessible terrains is expected to bolster the adoption of air ambulance services.
For instance, in April 2023, RED.Health, a medical emergency response platform in Hyderabad, launched 'Red Air Guardian,' a new air ambulance service. The service is available in over 550 cities in India and includes a fleet of eight specialized aircraft. The ambulances are equipped with advanced medical technology and staffed by highly qualified critical care professionals.
Emergency Ambulance Services to Dominate the Market
The emergency ambulance services are expected to dominate the market due to factors such as the high incidence of traumatic accidents and the presence of a large population aged over 60 years, which is prone to various medical conditions. During the COVID-19 pandemic, the high number of cases of COVID-19 led to a significantly high demand for emergency ambulance services. Emergency ambulance services play an indispensable role in addressing urgent medical needs and ensuring swift responses during accidents, emergencies, and crises. Service providers are also expanding the scope of this segment by incorporating technology-driven solutions in ambulance vehicles. Government and stakeholders' attempt to address medical emergencies are also boosting the growth of this segment.
For instance, in March 2023, The East of England Ambulance Service NHS Trust started piloting Hybrid Connex, a new technology that provides strong connectivity for ambulance crews and vehicles in areas where cellular connectivity is not available. The EUR 5.7 million initiative is co-funded by the European Space Agency and the United Kingdom Space Agency to create the prototype for an always-connected and cloud-based digital ambulance. Hybrid Connex combines software, hardware, and cellular and satellite services into one package. The initiative is led by UK emergency services connectivity specialists Excelerate Technology and includes NHS Arden and Greater East Midlands Commissioning Support Unit, Livewire, the Satellite Applications Catapult, and Vodafone.
North America to be the Dominating Region
Table of Contents
1. Research Methodology
2. Project Scope & Definitions
3. Executive Summary
4. Global Ambulance Services Market Outlook, 2017-2031F
- 4.1. Market Size & Forecast
- 4.1.1. By Value
- 4.1.2. By Volume
- 4.2. By Mode of Transportation
- 4.2.1. Ground Ambulance
- 4.2.2. Air Ambulance
5. Global Ambulance Services Market Outlook, By Region, 2017-2031F
6. Market Mapping, 2023
7. Macro Environment and Industry Structure
8. Market Dynamics
9. Regulatory Framework and Innovation
10. Key Players Landscape
11. Pricing Analysis
12. Case Studies
13. Key Players Outlook
14. Strategic Recommendations
15. About Us & Disclaimer
List of Tables
- Table 1. Pricing Analysis of Products from Key Players
- Table 2. Competition Matrix of Top 5 Market Leaders
- Table 3. Mergers & Acquisitions/ Joint Ventures (If Applicable)
- Table 4. About Us - Regions and Countries Where We Have Executed Client Projects
List of Figures
- Figure 1. Global Ambulance Services Market, By Value, In USD Billion, 2017-2031F
- Figure 2. Global Ambulance Services Market Share (%), By Mode of Transportation, 2017-2031F
- Figure 3. Global Ambulance Services Market Share (%), By Equipment, 2017-2031F
- Figure 4. Global Ambulance Services Market Share (%), By Type of Service, 2017-2031F
- Figure 5. Global Ambulance Services Market Share (%), By Region, 2017-2031F
