Industry: Healthcare
Format: PPT*, PDF, EXCEL
Delivery Timelines: Contact Sales
Report Type: Ongoing
Report ID: PMRREP34491
North America market for ambulance services size will reach around US$42.1 Bn in 2031, jumping from the valuation of US$17.8 Bn estimated as of the end of 2024. The market is expected to exhibit a CAGR of 10.10% during 2024 - 2031.
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Report Attribute |
Details |
|
Market size value in 2024(E) |
US$17.8 Bn |
|
Revenue forecast in 2031(F) |
US$42.1 Bn |
| CAGR (2024-2031) |
10.10% |
|
CAGR (2019-2023) |
9.80% |
North America foresees a well-equipped future for ambulance services. The region’s ambulance services market is poised for significant growth in the years to come and the growth in demand will be driven by consistently rising healthcare needs, exploding technological advancements, and robust government support.
Although challenges exist in form of workforce shortages, the North America ambulance services market maintains a sustained growth trajectory on the back of a continuous wave of innovation targeting efficient delivery of both emergency, and non-emergency medical care.
Recognizing the importance of patient comfort, and the growing need for reducing pre-hospital stress, there is a growing focus on improving the patient experience. This translates into investments in new technologies like online ambulance booking systems, ensuring smoother and faster access to services.
Technological advancements are playing a pivotal role in revolutionizing ambulance operations. Real-time data management software empowers paramedics with critical information about patients and traffic conditions, facilitating informed decisions. Additionally, the integration of Artificial Intelligence (AI), and the Internet of Things (IoT) is streamlining processes and enhancing safety measures.
Key Trends in Market
Rising Burden of Chronic Diseases
The consistently growing burden of chronic conditions is providing strong tailwinds to the growth in demand for ambulance services in the region. The alarming rise in chronic diseases like cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, and cancers is a significant growth driver for the market.
Expanding Aging Population
The demographic shift towards an aging population is another growth driving factor for the North American ambulance services market. As the population ages, the susceptibility to chronic diseases increases, leading to emergency situations in many cases demanding ambulance services. This will continue to be a constant booster to market growth as the aging population continues to expand.
Swelling Healthcare Expenditure
The increasing healthcare expenditure of North America creates a favorable environment for investments in ambulance services, as well as healthcare infrastructure development.
Growth in investments translates into better-equipped ambulances, improved training for personnel, wider service availability, and greater efficiency.
Supportive Take by Governments
Supportive government policies, and favorable reimbursement structures play a crucial role in ensuring accessibility of ambulance services.
Initiatives like various funding programs, and favorable reimbursement models further encourage investments in the sector to ensure affordability for patients. Governments will be instrumental to market build-up in North America.
Lack of Well-Equipped Ambulances
A remarkable shortage of well-equipped ambulances, especially in remote areas, is hindering the growth of the North America ambulance services market in to a significant extent. This disparity in access to advanced medical equipment can compromise patient care, especially in critical situations.
Workforce Shortage
The scarcity of the skilled workforce continues to be a looming threat facing the market expansion in the region. The ambulance services industry faces a shortage of qualified paramedics, and emergency medical technicians (EMTs). This shortage can lead to longer wait times, and compromised service quality.
Stringent Regulations
Stringent regulatory screws around ambulance operations, and equipment are essential to ensure patient safety, and service quality. However, excessively complex regulations can increase operational costs for service providers, potentially hindering the growth of North America market.
Soaring Preference for Tech-Driven Solutions
Advancements like telemedicine, and remote patient monitoring can create opportunities for delivering remote medical care via ambulances. Technological integration can improve patient outcomes, particularly in situations where immediate in-person intervention may not be feasible.
Preventative Care Integration
Integrating preventative care services with ambulance services can be an attractive market opportunity for North America ambulance services market players. By leveraging data and technology, ambulance personnel could identify potential health risks, and educate patients on preventative measures.
Tapping Opportunity in Underserved Areas
Expanding ambulance services across underserved rural areas presents significant growth potential. This could involve establishing new ambulance stations in remote locations, and utilizing innovative solutions like telemedicine to bridge spatial gaps.
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Market Segment by Transport |
Market Share (2023) |
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Ground |
46% |
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Water |
xx% |
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Air |
xx% |
Ground Ambulances Lead the Charge
Based on transport, ground ambulances retain the largest market share. The segment prominently includes vans, pick-up trucks, and specialized vehicles.
Ground ambulances are significantly cheaper when compared with their air and water counterparts. Moreover, they require less specialized equipment, and personnel, which position them as a more affordable emergency and non-emergency solution for both patients, and healthcare providers.
Often quicker for short-distance emergencies, especially within urban areas, ground ambulances make the first and more widely sought-after choice. Ground ambulances can navigate city streets with greater flexibility, highlighting their dominant spot in the North America ambulance services market.
However, the fastest growth in preference has been identified for air ambulances as they offer a distinct advantage with faster transport times, especially for patients in remote locations, or requiring specialized care during transport. The growing prevalence of chronic conditions, and rising accident rates are propelling the demand for air ambulance services.
Emergency Service Type Holds a Dominant Share
Emergency situations often involve life-threatening conditions, widely including chronic diseases, severe accidents, stroke, cardiac arrest, and traumatic injuries. The urgency translates to a higher volume of calls, and services for emergency ambulances.
The critical role of readily available emergency services remains higher in demand than their non-emergency counterparts. Emergency services typically deal with more severe and time-sensitive medical situations, which necessitates a more robust and readily available system.
Many government programs, and health insurance plans offer coverage or reimbursement for emergency ambulance services. This financial support makes emergency services more accessible in critical situations.
The emergency ambulance service infrastructure in North America is well-established, with dedicated emergency hotlines, rapid response protocols, and strategically located stations. This existing infrastructure caters to the high demand for emergency services.
On the other hand, non-emergency services may not always be covered, creating a financial barrier for some patients. While emergency services have traditionally been the mainstay, non-emergency services are gaining significant traction.
This segment caters to non-urgent yet medically essential, pre-scheduled inter-facility services like transporting patients between hospitals, surgery centers, and dialysis centers, or for routine check-ups, and neonatal transfers. The diverse applications of non-emergency services are expected to contribute to its substantial growth in the coming years.
ALS Ambulances Race Ahead
By equipment, advanced life support (ALS) ambulances that are equipped to provide a higher level of care with advanced medical equipment continue to dominate the market share. Staffed with paramedics trained in advanced life-saving procedures, this segment will maintain a larger share in North America’s ambulance services market.
On the contrary, basic life support (BLS) ambulances that are equipped with essential medical equipment maintain a steady pace in the market in the long term. These ambulances are staffed with EMTs trained in basic life-saving procedures and are typically called for patients with non-urgent less critical conditions that demand medical support during transport.
|
Country |
Market Share (2023) |
|
US |
86.2% |
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Canada |
xx% |
|
Rest of North America |
xx% |
The US Secures Leadership Position
The rising chronic disease burden, and rapidly expanding aging patient population are upholding the dominance of the US in North America ambulance services market. The US ambulance service market has been witnessing a demographic evolution that will continue to account for the escalated demand for emergency services.
Increase in emergency calls for age-related health issues, predominantly heart conditions that nearly 6 in 10 adults live with in the US, stroke that affects a sizeable patient population, and a significant number of falls that require immediate medical attention.
Moreover, chronic condition management in case of heart diseases, diabetes, and respiratory conditions primarily fuels the need for ambulance services in the US. In addition, the exponential rise in need for specialized care, extended transport times that mandate vigilant monitoring, and emergencies related to dementia further strengthen the demand.
Several ambulance service providers are keen to collaborate with leading healthcare systems for establishing integrated healthcare models, which is elevating market prospects in the US.
On the other hand, Canada is expected to demonstrate moderate growth on the back of a steadily a rising geriatric population, and high healthcare expenditure. As government funding for ambulance services has been on the rise over the recent past, Canada’s ambulance services market size is projected to see sustained expansion in the years to come.
Significant Industry Developments
April 2022
The Bermuda Air Ambulance company Ltd (BAA) announced the launch of the ready to go air ambulance service for critically injured and ill patients.
December 2021
The two independent air ambulance programs, viz., Life Link III, and Life Flight Network announced their plan to launch a strategic alliance for safety and quality initiatives, process enhancement, and implementation of the best practices.
September 2020
The State of Karnataka, India, announced the establishment of the country's first-ever integrated air ambulance service. This service was in collaboration with the International Critical Air Transfer Team (ICATT), and the Khyati.
April 2019
Air Methods announced the extension of its collaboration with Blue Shield, and Anthem Blue Cross.
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Attributes |
Details |
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Forecast Period |
2024 to 2031 |
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Historical Data Available for |
2019 to 2023 |
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Market Analysis |
US$ Billion for Value |
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Key Regions Covered |
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Key Market Segments Covered |
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Key Companies Profiled |
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Report Coverage |
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Customization & Pricing |
Available upon request |
By Transport
By Service Type
By Equipment
By Country
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The current market size of ambulance services in North America is around US$17.8 billion.
By the end of 2031, the market is expected to see a CAGR of more than 10%.
In addition to the growing focus on improved patient care and experience, major market trends include rising technological intervention, telemedicine, and expansion of the remote patient monitoring sector.
Based on transport, the ground ambulance segment dominates, whereas the emergency segment leads by the service type. By equipment, ALS ambulances take the charge.
American Air Ambulance, Air Methods Corporation, Phi Air Medical, Babcock International Group PLC, American Medical Response, and Falck A/S are some of the top players in North America’s ambulance services market.
