What is a Private Ambulance Service and How Does It Work

Many people in the UK are familiar with NHS ambulances responding to 999 emergencies, but private ambulance services operate on a different model. A private ambulance service provides medical transport and care outside the NHS system, run by independent companies that you can hire directly. These services are CQC-registered and work alongside the NHS, offering patient transport, medical repatriation, event cover, and more on a private basis.

For example, BM Ambulance Service in Kent is a leading private ambulance provider in the UK. Established in 2015, BM Ambulance has grown to operate a fleet of 60 specialist vehicles and over 150 staff, having completed more than 700 patient repatriations across Europe. As a CQC-regulated service, BM Ambulance meets the same high standards of care as the NHS. Its ambulances are staffed by trained paramedics, technicians, and nurses, and equipped with life-saving medical equipment. In short, a private ambulance service offers professional medical transport tailored to your needs, beyond what the standard NHS ambulance service can provide.

Private Ambulance vs NHS Ambulance: What’s the Difference?

It’s natural to wonder how private ambulances differ from NHS ambulances. The main differences are funding and usage:

• NHS Ambulances: Part of the public healthcare system, accessed by dialling 999. Free at point of use and focused on emergency response.
• Private Ambulances: Operated by independent companies and paid for by patients or insurance. Used for non-emergency and planned transport, international repatriation, and event cover.

Private ambulance providers like BM Ambulance support the NHS, but do not replace it. They fill crucial gaps by offering flexible and reliable services when NHS capacity is limited or unavailable.

Services Offered by BM Ambulance

• Patient Transport Services: Non-emergency journeys to hospitals, appointments, or home with medical support.
• High Dependency Transfers: Advanced care ambulances with critical care staff and equipment.
• Neonatal & Paediatric Transport: Specialist vehicles and crews for babies and children.
• Long-Distance Transfers: Nationwide transport with medical monitoring and continuity of care.
• Bariatric Transport: Ambulances equipped for patients up to 62.9 stone with specialist lifting equipment.
• Mental Health Transport: Secure and supportive ambulances for patients under section or in crisis.
• Mortuary Transfers: Respectful and prompt transport of the deceased.
• Welfare Appointment Wheelchair Vehicles: Medical staff driven cars for mobile patients needing basic support.
• Event Medical Cover: On-site ambulances and medics for events, festivals, and sports matches.
• Film & TV Ambulance Hire: Ambulance vehicles and staff for productions and filming.
• International Repatriation: Road and air ambulance services to return UK patients from abroad.

Why Use a Private Ambulance?

People choose private ambulances when they need:

• Non-emergency or routine transport with medical oversight
• Long-distance or time-specific journeys not covered by NHS services
• Specialist support for bariatric, mental health, or paediatric patients
• Medical repatriation back to the UK from abroad
• Peace of mind, flexibility, and faster response for planned journeys

Pricing and Booking

BM Ambulance provides quotes based on distance, medical needs, and journey complexity. Example pricing includes:

• Short local journeys: from £240
• Long-distance transfers: from £320
• HDU or specialist transport: from £320
• International repatriation: individually quoted

To book, contact BM Ambulance here with journey details. The team will provide a clear quote and handle the rest.

Conclusion

Private ambulance services like BM Ambulance provide essential support to individuals, families, and even NHS trusts. They offer tailored, reliable care when timing, comfort, or special medical needs are crucial.

Get in touch today to discuss your needs or request a quote.