The ambulance can be a daunting place for anyone. It is confined, has a lot of equipment throughout, and can make for a bumpy ride.
The paramedic treating you will attempt to make you feel as comfortable as possible. There is heat and air conditioning for your environment, and you are encouraged to let your paramedic know which you prefer.
Much of the treatment in the ambulance is the same that may occur inside the emergency room. As a matter of fact, the same drugs and treatment modalities used by an emergency room physician in a cardiac arrest are also the same on the ambulance, as well.
Depending on the severity of your illness or injury, you may get an easy ride to the hospital, or a "lights and sirens" ride. In many cases, the paramedic will initiate IV access (needle.catheter) while in the back of the moving ambulance with you. Years of experience have refined the paramedics skill to
be able to do this. Paramedics are not successful at this all of the time, but they are most of the time.
You may be provided oxygen by little "nose prongs", or by a full face mask. As a matter of fact, the three most common treatments on an ambulance are : Cardiac Monitor, Oxygen, IV.
Enroute to the hospital, the paramedic will call the emergency room by phone or radio and give them a brief report on the patient's condition so that the emergency room can prepare a bed for them.