Ambulance services market is anticipated to grow at a considerable CAGR of 7.9% during the forecast period (2024-2031) .Ambulance services provide timely and specialized medical care during emergencies, offering transportation to healthcare facilities. Staffed by trained professionals and equipped with essential medical equipment, they ensure prompt medical intervention.

Market Dynamics

Ambulance Services: Transforming Emergency Care Through Technology and Expertise

The evolution of emergency medicine has been significantly influenced by technological advancements, broadening the range of medical conditions amenable to treatment outside traditional hospital settings. For instance, Bharti Airtel, in collaboration with Apollo Hospitals and Cisco, introduces a 5G Connected Ambulance to enhance emergency healthcare. Equipped with advanced medical tools and real-time monitoring systems, it ensures seamless communication between paramedics and hospital staff via Airtel's 5G network. This innovation aims to expedite treatment during transit, potentially saving lives, and underscores a commitment to leveraging technology for improved patient care. These advancements have engendered a paradigm shift, necessitating ambulance services equipped with sophisticated medical equipment and staffed by highly trained personnel capable of delivering advanced medical interventions. Consequently, the demand for ambulance services has surged, as they serve as critical extensions of the healthcare system, providing timely and comprehensive care to patients at the scene of emergencies. This trend underscores the pivotal role of ambulance services in modern healthcare delivery and underscores the imperative for ongoing innovation in emergency medical technologies and practices.

Rising Accidents Drive Demand for Ambulance Services

A disturbing trend, rising traffic accidents, is fueling the growth of the ambulance service market. According to WHO, road traffic crashes globally claim about 1.19 million lives annually and cause non-fatal injuries to 20-50 million people. Low- and middle-income countries have 60.0% of the world's vehicles, they account for 90.0% of road fatalities. This unfortunate correlation arises because more accidents translate to a greater need for emergency medical attention. Ambulances act as a vital lifeline in these situations, transporting injured individuals to hospitals swiftly and efficiently. The increased frequency of accidents creates a higher demand for ambulance services, keeping them busy and pushing the market towards expansion.

Market Segmentation

Our in-depth analysis of the global ambulance services market includes the following segments by mode of transportation, service type, and by operating type:

• Based on the mode of transportation, the market is sub-segmented into air ambulance, ground ambulance, and water ambulance.

• Based on service type, the market is bifurcated into non-emergency medical transport, emergency medical transport, and emergency ground ambulance.

• Based on operating type, the market is augmented into public-private partnerships, government, private, and others (non-profit organizations, volunteer ambulance corps, military ambulance services, industrial ambulance services, university ambulance services).

Air Ambulances Take Flight as Fastest-Growing Force in Ambulance Services

Air ambulances are rapidly becoming the frontrunners in the ambulance service market due to their unique capabilities. Their speed allows them to reach critical patients much faster than ground vehicles, potentially saving lives.  These flying intensive care units come equipped with advanced medical equipment and highly trained professionals, enabling crucial interventions during transport, and improving patient outcomes. Additionally, their ability to access remote locations unmatched by ground vehicles makes them vital for emergencies in challenging terrain. As the demand for swift medical response in critical situations continues to rise, the air ambulance segment is poised for continued explosive growth. For instance, in 2022, Scotland's Charity Air Ambulance (SCAA) saw an increase in demand, responding to 967 callouts, a 19% rise from the previous year. Specializing in critical situations, SCAA airlifted more patients to hospital care compared to previous years, with traumatic injury cases accounting for 38% of their workload. Most patients were transferred to one of Scotland's four Major Trauma Centers.

Emergency Medical Transport Emerges as the Fastest-Growing Force in the Ambulance Services Market 

The Emergency Medical Transport (EMT) segment leads the ambulance service market's growth due to rising emergencies from chronic illnesses, accidents, and an ageing population. For instance, Ambulance responses to incidents in the UK rose from 8.4 million in 2018–19 to 8.9 million in 2021–22, marking a 6% increase. Over the past decade, A&E(accident and emergency) attendances have also surged by 13%, from 21.5 million in 2011–12 to 24.3 million in 2021–22, reflecting a notable trend in the demand for emergency medical services across the country. EMT services offer critical care, swiftly transporting patients to hospitals. They prioritize faster response times, often staffed by paramedics for advanced life support. Technological advancements in medical equipment and communication enhance their capabilities, improving patient outcomes. Heightened public awareness of prompt medical response further drives demand for EMT services, making it the fastest-growing segment.

Regional Outlook

The global ambulance services market is further segmented based on geography including North America (the US, and Canada), Europe (UK, Italy, Spain, Germany, France, and the Rest of Europe), Asia-Pacific (India, China, Japan, South Korea, and Rest of Asia), and the Rest of the World (the Middle East & Africa, and Latin America). 

Dominance of North America in the Global Ambulance Services Market

North America currently reigns supreme as the largest market for ambulance services globally. This dominance can be attributed to its well-developed healthcare system. For instance, in California alone, there are 715 ambulance services, with 170 being privately owned, managing a fleet of 3,600 licensed ambulances. The private ambulance sector employs approximately 20,000 individuals and incurs an estimated annual expenditure of $2.0 billion for ground ambulance services within the state. This established infrastructure boasts advanced emergency medical services, ensuring a high level of care for patients in critical situations.  Furthermore, North America fosters a strong culture of prompt medical response, emphasizing the importance of reaching patients quickly. This translates to a high demand for ambulance services, solidifying North America's position as the leading market.

Global Ambulance Services Market Growth by Region 2024-2031

Asia-Pacific to Exhibit the Highest CAGR 

The Asia-Pacific region is experiencing the fastest growth in the global ambulance service market, driven by its rapidly ageing population. For instance, according to the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development by 2050, the proportion of individuals aged 65 and above in lower-middle- and low-income Asia-Pacific nations is projected to double, reaching 13.4%. However, this figure remains below the expected averages of 31.1% for high-income and 22.3% for upper-middle-income countries. Notably, Korea and Hong Kong (China) are anticipated to have exceptionally high proportions, with approximately 40% of their populations aged 65 and over by 2050.  As people live longer, they are more likely to require emergency medical care for age-related illnesses and injuries. This expanding demographic creates a significant demand for efficient ambulance services, which act as a vital lifeline for timely medical intervention. The increasing burden of chronic diseases, greater risk of falls among the elderly, and limitations on their mobility all contribute to the surge in demand for ambulance services in this region.

Market Players Outlook

*Note: Major Players Sorted in No Particular Order.

The major companies serving the global ambulance services market includeZIQITZA HEALTHCARE LIMITED, Babcock International Group PLC, London Ambulance Service NHS Trust, BVG India Limited, Falck Danmark A/S, Global Medical Response, Inc.among others. The market players are increasingly focusing on business expansion and product development by applying strategies such as collaborations, mergers, and acquisitions to stay competitive in the market. For instance, in March 2024,Babcock International Group PLC's subsidiary, Babcock Australasia, strengthens its long-standing partnership with Ambulance Victoria. The renewed five-year agreement, valued at over $370 million, extends Babcock's provision of Helicopter Emergency Medical Services (HEMS) until 2030. This solidified partnership ensures continued vital air ambulance services for Victorians in critical situations. 

The Report Covers

• Market value data analysis of 2023 and forecast to 2031.
• Annualized market revenues ($ million) for each market segment.
• Country-wise analysis of major geographical regions.
• Key companies operating in the global ambulance services market based on the availability of data, information related to new product launches, and relevant news is also available in the report.
• Analysis of business strategies by identifying the key market segments positioned for strong growth in the future.
• Analysis of market-entry and market expansion strategies.
• Competitive strategies by identifying ‘who-stands-where’ in the market.