Currently, many ambulances operate in the private sector. However, this type of company requires different criteria before it can be set up.
The Market Study
Like any other type of business, setting up an ambulance company has its advantages and disadvantages. Before starting your business, it is therefore recommended to carry out a market study. Indeed, the evolution of your company depends first of all on the demography of your implantation zone. Then, you will have to collect information on medical structures such as hospitals, retirement homes, doctors, etc. Contrary to what you may think, this field is very competitive. This is because each company has a limited quota of authorized vehicles. It is therefore in your best interest to find out what services your competitors are already offering.
Project Prerequisites
Knowing that ambulances can be confronted with delicate situations, various conditions must be fulfilled to set up this type of company.
Obtaining a Traffic Permit
Medical transport vehicles are divided into different categories, namely type A ambulances, which are intended to transport patients whose condition is not life-threatening; type B ambulances, to ensure the evacuation of a person requiring first aid; type C ambulances, which are equipped with resuscitation equipment; and type D ambulances, known as light medical cars, which can transport a patient in a sitting position.
To open an ambulance company, at least 2 medical vehicles are required. Each of them must obtain a traffic permit to be put into service. If you buy a vehicle already in circulation, the former owner can just provide you with his authorization.
Training of The Team
The staff of an ambulance company must be composed of at least 2 full-time people. As a manager of an ambulance company, it is mandatory to have a state diploma in the field. It is the same for the staff, knowing that a qualified person necessarily accompanies each vehicle. However, in the case of a type D ambulance, a diploma of ambulance assistant is sufficient. Each driver of a sanitary vehicle must also hold a B license for more than 3 years.
The Company’s Premises
An ambulance company must have premises to ensure the maintenance and disinfection of all vehicles put into circulation. It can be recognized by the presence of a sign on the outside of the building. Each room must also have a telephone to respond to the urgent needs of patients.
The Regularization of the Company
Like any other type of business, an ambulance company must choose a legal form, depending on its intrinsic characteristics. Therefore, it can be a sole proprietorship, i.e., an auto-entrepreneur status, or a company governed by a legal entity. Since it is a commercial activity, you must register your company with the Chamber of Commerce and Industry, or with the Chamber of Trades and Crafts if your company has less than 10 employees, to be registered in the Trade and Companies Register (RCS). For this, you will have to write a statute for your company, deposit capital, and provide the other files concerning you.
For an ambulance company, taking out a civil liability insurance policy for the vehicles is compulsory to protect you against damage caused to a third party. However, the company can subscribe to additional guarantees according to its needs, in particular, to insure its personnel.
