DOTmed Industry Sector Report: Ambulance Sales & Service

by Sean Ruck, Contributing Editor | January 21, 2009

Mark Van Arnam of American Emergency Vehicles said the export business is limited to countries that accept the American chassis. AEV recently shipped 20 units to Dubai.

"You don't see American ambulances being exported to France and Germany," he said. "But the EMS system in the Mid-East is comparable to the American system, so using American vehicles there is a very common thing."

Aside from a few minor influences, an industry that has remained stagnant for the past 25 to 30 years appears to have few major changes in store for the next half-decade.

Kim Elick of Braun Industries said she thinks the manufacturing industry will see more consolidation throughout the next few years, with weaker suppliers dropping out and larger ones merging in an effort to pool resources.

"In the long term, ambulances are a product that people need," said Bob Parks of McCoy Miller. "Municipalities have to supply something to go pick people up and treat them. It's not going to be a booming business, but it will be a steady business with a possible slight increase."