What happens if an ambulance gets into an accident while en route to an emergency?

Question

Even though its rare, I presume it has happened in the past. I've always wondered...if an ambulance is headed to a life threatening emergency, and some driver crashes into the ambulance, does the ambulance have to stop or does the ambulance continue en route to the original emergency?

Answer 1

ANOTHER ambulance is called.  

Answer 2

It depends on the accident.  If it's a fender bender, the Ambulance will normally continue on and call in the accident to the dispatcher for the police to respond.  It can also depend on the availability of other ambulances close to the vicinity of the call.  Obviously it's going to be a call on the part of the paramedics first.  

Answer 3

Depends on how fast there both going!!

Answer 4

The ambulance, like any other vehicle, is required by law to stop and wait for police.

Normally, another ambulance is dispatched to handle the original ambulance call.

Depending on the availability (or lack of availability) of another ambulance and the severity of the collision (if the ambulance is still operable), we sometimes order the ambulance to leave the scene of the accident and return after finishing its original call.

Answer 5

If you are saying they are "headed to a life threatening emergency", I'm assuming you are saying the patient is not in the ambulance yet?  Then they would send another ambulance.  If the patient is in the ambulance and it is life threatening, they will make sure the patient is stable and call another ambulance (or helicopter if necessary).  They always have to contact the police.  Ambulances may continue on to the hospital if it's necessary (and possible) as long as they make contact with the other driver and notify them to stay because the police are on the way.  They will also radio in the license plate number at the least of the vehicle and advise of the location they are going to.

Answer 6

I was a dispatcher for ShafferAmbulance Company in Orange County Ca.

Another ambulance would immediatly be dispatched to the call, replacing the one that was in the accident.

Police, fire, and Ca. Highway patrol would be dispatched to investigate the accident. Insurance company for Ambulance service would be notified and respond.

There are  NO FENDER BENDERS  when it involves emergency vehicles.