An ambulance is a common vehicle to see on the road. Most look the same, with lights, the word "ambulance" on it, and bright colors. What people may not realize is that there are two different types of ambulances.

Basic life support (BLS) ambulances are equipped and staffed to handle patients with illnesses or injuries that are not immediately life threatening. These include broken bones, sprains, some abdominal pains, general aches/pains, general illness or flu-like symptoms, bleeding that is controllable, and minor car accidents.

BLS services are not required to affiliate with a medical command physician from a hospital.

Advanced life support (ALS) ambulances are equipped and staffed to handle patients with any illness or injury, including all life-threatening emergencies. These include difficulty breathing, chest pains, diabetic emergencies, allergic reactions, possible stroke, child birth, severe trauma or bleeding, and uncontrolled bleeding.ALS services are required to carry heart monitors and medications, as well as to maintain direct affiliation with a medical director from local hospitals.SOURCE: Saxonburg VolunteerFire Company Ambulance<BR><BR><BR><BR>

Ambulance $75,500Cardiac monitor $20,000Pulse oximeter $1,040Oxygen bag w/equipment $2,300IV bag w/equipment $300Stretcher $4,0002 portable radios $1,440Mobile radio $800Private radio $800Suction unit $500Pediatric bag w/equipment $300Personal protective equipment $502 long back boards (adult) $500Pediatric immobilization device $275Stair chair $950Reeves stretcher $220Tool box $200Extrication suits/helmets $600Splinting devices $800Fire extinguisher $40Trauma bag $350Miscellaneous $3,000SOURCE: Dennis Bacher Butler Ambulance Service president