The global water ambulance services market is expected to grow at a CAGR of around 5.3% from 2020 to 2027 and expected to reach the market value of around US$ 6,378.5 Mn by 2027.

Water ambulance services are provided by boats that provide emergency medical assistance and services to remote areas that are surrounded by water. These ambulance boats are very similar to traditional ambulances in that they are outfitted with all of the necessary gadgets, such as ventilators, surgery equipment, a team of paramedics, and other necessary equipment to provide aid to the victims. Some lifeguard vessels or lifeboats can also be used as ambulances in an emergency to transport victims or casualties. Water ambulance boats must be checked and upgraded on a regular basis to accommodate the most recent medical equipment additions. It must have medical beds, a portable stretcher, a platform to pull the patient aboard the ship, a working mooring and anchoring system, a nonslip deck, floatation devices in case of an emergency, and staff of properly trained paramedics. Fire extinguishers, floatation, life rings, primary first aid kits, and medical infusion kits are all required on ambulance boats. In the case of complex medical procedures, these vessels must also have proper communication devices to exchange patient information and advice with an expert.

Growth Factors

Natural disasters bolster the demand for water ambulance services market

Floods are the most common type of natural disaster, occurring when an overflow of water submerges normally dry land. According to World Health Organization (WHO) statistics, floods, droughts, tropical cyclones, heat waves, and severe storms have caused 80-90% of all documented natural disasters over the last ten years. Floods cause more than US$40 Bn in damage worldwide each year, according to a report by the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development. Furthermore, losses in the United States average close to US$8 Bn per year. In recent decades, the death toll has risen to more than 100 people per year. For example, in response to the demand for a comprehensive emergency system, the Government of Assam has previously signed an MoU with the GVK-EMRI in Hyderabad. The partnership's goal is to improve public access to services such as medical, police, and fire. There are 696 ambulances in total, covering all 27 districts. According to a report released by the National Health Mission of the Government of Assam, this Service has 7 Boat Ambulances equipped with emergency medicines to respond to medical emergencies in riverine areas and during floods, making it one of the most unique approaches to improving response efficiency in the region.

Government involvement and initiatives propel the demand for water ambulance services market

The Indian government announced the launch of the first marine ambulance, Pratheeksha, in April 2021. On May 31, 2018, the state government agreed to purchase three marine ambulances from Cochin Shipyard. They cost a total of INR 18.24 crore. While BPCL offered to pay for one ambulance, Cochin Shipyard agreed to contribute INR 3 crore from its CSR fund. The state government contributed INR 7.36 crore through the Chief Minister's Disaster Relief Fund, and the fisheries department contributed INR 2 crore through the plan fund. The Central Institute of Fisheries Technology provided technical assistance for the construction of the boat. Prathyasa will be floated out by Fisheries Minister Mercykutty Amma, while Karunya will be floated out by Fisheries Secretary Tinku Biswal. The Indian government's initiative is a great step forward because it will help save many lives.

Stringent regulations imposed on the water ambulance services is responsible for the growth of the global market

According to the data revealed by the MINISTRY OF THE ATTORNEY GENERAL AND LEGAL AFFAIRS, a licensed provider shall ensure that when operating a ship as a water ambulance, the water ambulance meets the requirements of the Shipping Act in all operations. Furthermore, the water ambulance is designed in such a way that an EMT has adequate access to provide patient care within the cabin in order to provide cardiopulmonary resuscitation and maintain the patient's life support. Notwithstanding regulation 6(1)(a), a licenced provider shall ensure that a Basic Ambulance that is a water ambulance is staffed with at least one currently certified Emergency Medical Technician-Basic when operating a water ambulance. Notwithstanding regulation 7(c), a licenced provider shall ensure that an Advanced Ambulance 1 that is a water ambulance is staffed with at least one certified Emergency Medical Technician-Intermediate or Emergency Medical Technician-Paramedic when operating a water ambulance.

Market Segmentation

The global water ambulances services market is segmented as type of services, payer, and equipment. By type of services, the market is bifurcated into emergency medical services and non-emergency medical services. By payer, the market is segregated as public, private, and out-of-pocket. Furthermore, by equipment, the market is classified into Basic Life Support (BLS) Ambulance Services and Advanced Life Support (ALS) ambulance services.

Based on service type, the non-emergency medical services segment is expected to grow at a significant CAGR of 1.5 percent over the analysis period. Non-emergency services are pre-scheduled inter-facility services that are medically necessary. Nursing homes, hospitals, surgical centers, dialysis centers, and other facilities receive non-emergency services.

In terms of payer, the private payer segment will grow at a rate of around 1.2 percent during the forecast period. Private payers provide a wide range of plans to meet the government's basic requirements. This is one of the most important factors driving the growth of the global water ambulance services market.

Regional Landscape

In terms of regions, Asia Pacific is expected to dominate the market during the forecast period. One of the key factors contributing to the growth of the global water ambulance services market is strong government initiatives and involvement. For example, the Odisha government announced in February 2019 the launch of a boat ambulance service to help patients reach hospitals in remote areas cut off by rivers, at a cost of INR 5.40 crore. The project's annual operating costs would be around INR 90 lakh. Six boat ambulances will be added to the road fleet as part of the 108 ambulance service. Meanwhile, Malkangiri has received two boat ambulances, Kendrapara has received two, and Koraput and Kalahandi have each received one.

Competitive Landscape

The prominent players of the global water ambulances services market involve Aeromedevac and SHM Shipcare, Falck A/S, Air Methods Corporation, Harmonie Ambulance, BVG India Limited, Babcock Scandinavian Air Ambulance, Acadian Ambulance Service, and among others

Market Segmentation

Market By Type of Services

Emergency Medical Services
Non-emergency Medical Services

Market By Payer

Public
Private
Out-of-pocket

Market By Equipment

Basic Life Support (BLS) Ambulance Services
Advanced Life Support (ALS) Ambulance Services

Market By Geography

North America
•    U.S.
•    Canada

Europe
•    U.K.
•    Germany
•    France
•    Spain
•    Rest of Europe

Asia-Pacific
•    China
•    Japan
•    India
•    Australia
•    South Korea
•    Rest of Asia-Pacific

Latin America
•    Brazil 
•    Mexico
•    Rest of Latin America

Middle East & Africa
•    GCC
•    South Africa
•    Rest of Middle East & Africa

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