Ambulances have changed dramatically over the past 40 years. Until the late 1960s, the main task of an ambulance was simply to get people from the scene of an accident to a hospital as quickly as possible. The interior of the vehicle was cramped, with only some very basic first aid equipment. Since then, however, both ambulances and paramedics have changed.
Modern ambulances are more spacious inside, giving the crews plenty of room to treat patients on the way to the hospital. Modern ambulances also carry plenty of bandages and topicals to help stop bleeding, clean wounds and prevent infection. Splints and braces are also carried to immobilize broken limbs and avoid aggravating injuries to the neck and spine. Oxygen, portable ventilators and defibrillators are also available. Most ambulances also have patient monitors that can monitor a patient's pulse and breathing on the way to the emergency room. Those tests can be radioed to the hospital.
Many modern ambulances are staffed by professional first responders, especially those who are responsible for high-risk situations such as major sporting events and busy highway routes, and are able to perform a high level of first aid treatment. Their expert care at the scene and en route often saves the lives of the injured. They are trained to diagnose patient injuries, so they can radio ahead with data and advise hospitals which paramedics and technicians to prepare and have the appropriate surgical tools on hand.