Type 1, Type 2 and Type 3 Ambulance: Complete Comparison Guide

Type 1, Type 2 and Type 3 Ambulance By Infinity Chassis Engineering Team – ISO 9001:2015 & EN1789 Certified Ambulance Manufacturer

Introduction

Not all ambulances are built the same. When emergency medical services (EMS) providers choose a new ambulance, one of the first decisions they face is which type of ambulance to purchase: Type 1, Type 2, or Type 3.

Each type has its own advantages, disadvantages, and ideal use cases. The right choice depends on your specific operational needs, budget, terrain, and medical capability requirements.

In this comprehensive guide, we compare Type 1, Type 2, and Type 3 ambulances across all major specifications to help you make an informed procurement decision.

What Are the Different Ambulance Types?

The classification of ambulances into Type 1, Type 2, and Type 3 is primarily based on the chassis design and how the patient compartment is integrated with the cab.

Type 1 Ambulance (ALS)

Overview

The Type 1 ambulance is built on a truck chassis with a separate, modular patient box mounted behind the cab. The cab and patient compartment are two distinct sections. This design is also known as “box-style” or “module” ambulance.

Key Characteristics

Equipment Highlights (Based on Comparison Sheet)

Advantages of Type 1 Ambulance

• Maximum interior space – The modular box provides more working room than van conversions

• Heavy-duty capability – Truck chassis offers higher payload capacity (supports up to 450 kg stretcher systems)

• 4×4 availability – Ideal for off-road, rural, and military applications

• Durability – Separate construction allows for stronger, more durable materials

• Customization – Box module can be extensively customized

• Better weight distribution – Truck chassis handles heavy ALS equipment better

Disadvantages of Type 1 Ambulance

• Higher cost – More expensive than Type 2 due to modular construction

• Larger turning radius – Less maneuverable in tight urban spaces

• Higher fuel consumption – Heavier vehicle with truck chassis

• Longer production time – Modular construction takes more time

Best For

• Rural emergency medical services

• Military field hospitals

• Mining and oil field medical support

• Disaster response operations

• Services requiring 4×4 capability

• Long-distance critical care transport

Type 2 Ambulance (BLS)

Overview

The Type 2 ambulance is built on a standard van chassis (such as Ford Transit, Mercedes Sprinter, or Ram ProMaster) with the patient compartment integrated into the existing van body. It is often referred to as a “van ambulance” or “van conversion.”

Key Characteristics

Equipment Highlights (Based on Comparison Sheet)

Advantages of Type 2 Ambulance

• Lower cost – Most affordable ambulance type

• Fuel efficiency – Better fuel economy than Type 1 or Type 3

• Maneuverability – Easier to drive in congested urban areas

• Shorter production time – Faster to manufacture

• Lower maintenance costs – Common van parts are widely available

• Easier to park – Smaller footprint than box-style ambulances

Disadvantages of Type 2 Ambulance

• Less interior space – Limited working room compared to Type 1 and Type 3

• Lower payload capacity – Cannot carry as much equipment or heavy patients

• Limited customization – Van body restricts modification options

• Less headroom – Even with extended roof, less standing space

• BLS only – Not typically equipped for ALS (though some providers upgrade)

Best For

• Urban emergency medical services

• Non-emergency patient transport

• Dialysis transport

• Hospital discharge services

• Basic Life Support (BLS) operations

• Private ambulance companies

• Volunteer EMS services

Type 3 Ambulance (ALS)

Overview

The Type 3 ambulance combines features of both Type 1 and Type 2. It uses a van cab front end (cutaway van chassis) with a separate modular patient box mounted behind the cab. This design is sometimes called a “van-module” or “cutaway” ambulance.

Key Characteristics

Equipment Highlights (Based on Comparison Sheet)

Advantages of Type 3 Ambulance

• Walk-through access – Cab connects directly to patient compartment, allowing crew to attend patient without exiting vehicle

• Best of both worlds – Van cab comfort with box module space

• Good maneuverability – Better turning radius than Type 1

• ALS capable – Designed for advanced life support equipment

• More interior space – Box module provides more room than Type 2

• Better visibility – Van cab offers good driver visibility

Disadvantages of Type 3 Ambulance

• Higher cost than Type 2 – Modular construction adds cost

• Heavier than Type 2 – Affects fuel efficiency

• Walk-through limitations – Some designs have narrow pass-through

• Production time – Longer than Type 2

Best For

• Emergency medical services requiring ALS

• Urban and suburban EMS

• Hospital-based EMS fleets

• Services needing walk-through access

• Critical care transport

Direct Comparison: Type 1 vs Type 2 vs Type 3

Common Equipment Across All Types

Based on your comparison sheet, all three ambulance types share the following standard equipment:

Patient Compartment Fittings

• Partition with sliding window

• Medical equipment cabinet

• Oxygen cylinders cabinet

• Marine grade plywood flooring with vinyl covering

• Squad bench with under-seat storage, backrest, and seatbelt

• Doctor seat (upon request)

Electrical System

• Electric wiring with insulation

• Electric control panel / fuse box

• Roof type ventilation fan

• 2 x 12V sockets

• 2 x 220V outlets

• Shoreline (external power hookup)

• LED lighting for patient compartment

• LED light bar with siren, speaker and microphone

• Strobe lights at the back of the vehicle

• Loading LED light

• Air conditioning unit for patient compartment

Oxygen System

• 2 x 10L oxygen cylinders with regulator, outlet, flowmeter, humidifier

• Oxygen system related hoses

Patient Transport Equipment

• Automatic loading stretcher

• Foldable spinal board

• Scoop stretcher

• Head immobilizer

• Cervical collars (adult and child)

• Electric wheelchair

• Vacuum mattress with pump

Medical Equipment

• Wall mounted sphygmomanometer (all types)

• Patient monitor (all types)

• AED Defibrillator HR-501 (all types)

• Defibrillator Rescue Life 9 (all types)

First Aid Kit Color Difference

Medical Capability Comparison: BLS vs ALS

The key difference between Type 2 and Types 1/3 is the level of medical capability:

How to Choose the Right Ambulance Type

Choose Type 1 If:

• You need maximum interior space

• Your service area includes off-road or rural terrain

• You require 4×4 capability

• You need highest payload capacity

• Your budget allows for higher investment

• You need ALS capability

Choose Type 2 If:

• You operate primarily in urban areas

• You need a cost-effective solution

• Your primary mission is BLS patient transport

• Fuel efficiency is a priority

• You have limited parking or garage height

• You need shorter delivery time

Choose Type 3 If:

• You need ALS capability with good maneuverability

• Walk-through access from cab to patient compartment is important

• You need more space than Type 2 but better handling than Type 1

• Your budget is moderate

• You serve urban and suburban areas with emergency response

Production Time Considerations

Why Choose Infinity Chassis Units?

Infinity Chassis Units is an EN1789 certified manufacturer specializing in all three ambulance types. Our facilities include:

• Production Facility: Kahramankazan, Ankara, Turkey

• Head Office: Çankaya, Ankara, Turkey

• Dubai Sales Office: Ras Al Khor, UAE

Our Certifications

What Sets Us Apart

• Direct Export Experience – We deliver to government tenders, NGOs, and private EMS providers worldwide

• Engineering Excellence – In-house R&D team customizes each conversion

• All Three Types Available – Type 1, Type 2, and Type 3

• Full Customization – Layout, equipment, certification, paint

• EN1789 Certification – Available upon request for all types

• After-Sales Support – Spare parts, technical documentation, remote support

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is the main difference between Type 1 and Type 3?
A: Type 1 uses a truck chassis with a separate cab (no walk-through). Type 3 uses a van cab (cutaway) with walk-through access to the patient compartment.

Q: Which ambulance type is most affordable?
A: Type 2 (van conversion) is the most affordable option. Type 3 is moderate. Type 1 is the most expensive.

Q: Can Type 2 ambulances be equipped for ALS?
A: While some providers upgrade Type 2 for ALS, they are primarily designed for BLS. Type 1 and Type 3 are better suited for ALS equipment and procedures.

Q: Which type is best for off-road use?
A: Type 1 with 4×4 capability is best for off-road and rural applications.

Q: Do all types have air conditioning for the patient compartment?
A: Yes. All three types include an air conditioning unit for the patient compartment.

Q: What is the difference in first aid kit color?
A: Type 1 and Type 3 use orange first aid kits. Type 2 uses a green first aid kit.

Q: Can I get a 4×4 ambulance?
A: Yes. Type 1 is commonly available with 4×4. Type 3 may have 4×4 options on some chassis. Type 2 has limited 4×4 availability.

Q: How long does it take to build a custom ambulance?
A: Type 2 takes 2-3 months. Type 3 takes 3-4 months. Type 1 takes 4-5 months.

Contact Us

Office Hours: Monday – Friday, 09:00 – 18:00 (GMT+3)

Production Factory:
Infinity Chassis Units Otomotiv İthalat İhracat ve Danışmanlık Limited Şirketi
Saray Neighborhood, 36th Street No:12/D, Kahramankazan, Ankara – Türkiye

Head Office:
Cinnah Avenue No:71, Floor 7, Office 7, 06100 Çankaya, Ankara – Türkiye

Dubai Branch:
Green Space Business Centre, Office 113-05, Ras Al Khor, Dubai – UAE

EN1789 Certified | ISO 9001:2015 | Direct Export Worldwide