Ambulance

An ambulance is a vehicle designated for the transport of sick or injured persons. The first ambulances called by that name were horse ambulances used in the American Civil War. Modern-day ambulances are typically large automobiles on van or light truck chassis.

However, an ambulance can be any vehicle including a bus, helicopter or even a hospital ship.

Under the laws of war an ambulance marked by a Red Cross is not to be fired on and is to be permitted to carry out its duties in spite of the fighting. An ambulance may not mount weapons.

See also MEDEVAC.