U.S. Ambulance Services Market (By Transport Vehicle: Ground Ambulance, Air Ambulance, Water Ambulance; By Emergency Services; By Equipment) - Industry Analysis, Size, Share, Growth, Trends, Revenue, Regional Outlook and Forecast 2024-2033

U.S. Ambulance Services Market Size and Trends

The U.S. ambulance services market size was estimated at around USD 18.66 billion in 2023 and it is projected to hit around USD 51.48 billion by 2033, growing at a CAGR of 10.68% from 2024 to 2033.

Key Pointers

• By Transport Vehicle, the ground ambulances captured the maximum market share of 61% in 2023.
• By Transport Vehicle, the air ambulances are estimated to expand the fastest CAGR from 2024 to 2033.
• By Emergency Services, the emergency services registered the maximum market share of 62% in 2023.
• By Equipment, the Advanced Life Support (ALS) ambulances contributed the largest market share of 65% in 2023.

U.S. Ambulance Services Market Overview

The U.S. ambulance services market is a critical component of the healthcare system, providing essential emergency medical transportation and care. This market has seen significant growth over the years, driven by factors such as an aging population, increasing incidence of chronic diseases, advancements in medical technology, and the need for timely medical interventions.

U.S. Ambulance Services Market Growth Factors

The growth of the U.S. ambulance services market is primarily driven by an aging population significantly contributes to increased demand, as older adults typically require more frequent emergency and medical transport services due to higher incidences of chronic illnesses and health emergencies. Secondly, the rising prevalence of chronic diseases such as diabetes, heart disease, and respiratory conditions necessitates regular medical intervention and transportation, further fueling market growth. Additionally, technological advancements in medical equipment and emergency response capabilities enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of ambulance services, attracting more users. Lastly, supportive government regulations and reimbursement policies aimed at improving healthcare access and quality also play a crucial role in expanding the market.

U.S. Ambulance Services Market Trends:

• Increasing Demand for Emergency Medical Services (EMS): The aging population and the rising prevalence of chronic diseases have heightened the demand for emergency medical services. This trend is expected to continue as the baby boomer generation ages and more individuals require immediate medical attention.
• Integration with Healthcare Systems: Ambulance services are increasingly being integrated into broader healthcare networks. This integration enhances coordination between pre-hospital and hospital care, improving patient outcomes and streamlining operations.
• Focus on Patient-Centered Care: There is a growing emphasis on patient-centered care, with ambulance services adopting protocols that prioritize patient comfort, safety, and overall experience. This includes better communication with patients and their families and personalized care approaches.
• Rise of Private Ambulance Services: The market has seen a rise in private ambulance service providers, offering specialized and often more efficient alternatives to traditional public EMS. These private entities often provide non-emergency medical transportation (NEMT) and inter-facility transfers.
• Adoption of Data Analytics: The use of data analytics is becoming more prevalent in the ambulance services market. Data-driven insights help improve response times, optimize resource allocation, and enhance operational efficiency. Predictive analytics also play a role in anticipating demand and improving preparedness.

Transport Vehicle Insights

In 2023, ground ambulances led the market, capturing over 61% of the revenue share. This dominance is attributed to their flexibility, comfort, and efficient transport capabilities. Additionally, ground ambulances offer on-site treatment, reducing the need to transfer patients to hospitals immediately. This immediate medical assistance can be critical in stabilizing patients before they are moved to a medical facility for further care.

The FAIR Health Brief from September 2023 revealed that the average allowed amounts for Advanced Life Support (ALS) ground ambulance services were generally higher than those for Basic Life Support (BLS) services in 2022. However, these amounts vary by state due to differing costs and regulatory factors.

Air ambulances are projected to have the fastest growth rate over the forecast period, primarily because of their speed, which is crucial for quickly transporting patients during medical emergencies. They also have a larger capacity than regular charter flights, allowing them to cover longer distances in shorter times. This increased capacity enables them to carry essential medical equipment necessary for critical care, enhancing their utility in emergencies.

Emergency Services Insights

Emergency services accounted for nearly 62% of the revenue in 2023, leading the market share. This segment is expected to witness the fastest growth over the forecast period, driven by the increasing geriatric population and rising incidences of emergencies related to chronic diseases, cardiovascular disorders, and other medical issues. According to the CDC, about 500,000 ambulances in the U.S. face detours annually due to emergency department congestion and insufficient inpatient bed availability, impacting the demand for ambulance services and contributing to market growth.

Non-emergency ambulance services are commonly utilized in hospitals, surgery centers, nursing homes, and other medical facilities. These services cater to various needs, including transporting fragile patients without unnecessary movement during recovery. Expertise in medical care is crucial for such transfers. Besides emergency situations, non-emergency ambulances provide safe and comfortable transportation for long-distance travel, special events, routine medical check-ups, neonatal transfers, and other scenarios. This versatility is expected to drive significant growth in the non-emergency segment.

Equipment Insights

Advanced Life Support (ALS) ambulances led the market in 2023 with 65% of the revenue share and are expected to grow at the fastest rate over the forecast period. These ambulances are equipped with state-of-the-art medical equipment, allowing skilled paramedics to perform complex procedures like endotracheal intubation and administer intravenous medications, providing immediate and comprehensive care on-site. According to UChicago Medicine, ALS ambulances play a significant role in emergency care for Medicare patients nationwide.

Basic Life Support (BLS) ambulances are also expected to show promising growth over the forecast period due to their importance in both emergency and non-emergency settings. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics recorded the highest employment in ambulatory services in Pennsylvania, New York, Georgia, Illinois, and Texas in 2022. This trend corresponds with the increasing number of hospitals being constructed and the rising incidence of diseases in these regions. Recent studies also indicate that BLS ambulances have contributed to higher survival rates in trauma, assaults, and stroke cases across the country. Consequently, the demand for BLS ambulances is expected to rise from 2024 to 2033.

U.S. Ambulance Services Market Key Companies

• Babcock International Group PLC
• Acadian Ambulance Service
• American Air Ambulance
• PHI Air Medical
• Express Air Medical Transport, LLC
• Air Medical Group Holdings, Inc. (Amgh)
• Falck A/S
• American Medical Response
• Rural/Metro Corporation
• Medstar

Recent Developments

• In June 2023, the Washington County Board of Commissioners greenlit a franchise agreement with American Medical Response to kick off 9-1-1 emergency medical transportation services in the county, starting August 1st. This move signaled AMR's expansion, adding to its coverage in Multnomah and Clackamas Counties.
• Also in June 2023, Guardian Flight, a subsidiary of Global Medical Response, debuted a Bell 407GXi helicopter in Grand Rapids, Minnesota, catering to Itasca County. This new addition complemented their existing fixed-wing service in the area. Initially, the helicopter operated for 12 hours daily, later shifting to round-the-clock availability.
• In April 2023, Falck USA, a prominent emergency services provider in Alameda County, California, teamed up with MD Ally to roll out a virtual care solution for EMS patients. This partnership allows paramedics and EMTs to connect non-emergency patients with virtual care professionals, offering treatment advice, prescriptions, and referrals without necessitating hospital visits.
• Back in July 2022, AmeriPro Health finalized its acquisition of CareMed EMS, an ambulance service provider operating in Mississippi and Tennessee, significantly broadening its capabilities and footprint in the U.S.

U.S. Ambulance Services Market Segmentation:

By Transport Vehicle

• Ground Ambulance
• Air Ambulance
• Water Ambulance

By Emergency Services

• Emergency Services
• Non-emergency Services

By Equipment

• Advance Life Support Ambulance Services (ALS)
• Basic Life Support Ambulance Services (BLS)