08/20/2026
Ever wonder why our ambulances stay running while parked either on a call or at the grocery store?
There’s actually a lot more to it than keeping the crew comfortable!
🛠️ Diesel engines: Some of our ambulances are heavy-duty diesel vehicles, and repeatedly shutting them off and restarting them can be hard on the engine and batteries. Keeping them running helps ensure they’re ready to respond immediately.
💊 Medication temperatures: We carry medications and other medical supplies that need to be maintained within specific temperature ranges. The ambulance’s climate-control system helps keep our equipment and medications stored safely.
🔋 Keeping equipment ready: Our ambulances carry a significant amount of electronic medical equipment that needs to remain charged and ready to go at a moment’s notice.
☀️ Temperature control: Pennsylvania weather can be extreme! Keeping the ambulance climate-controlled helps protect both our equipment and temperature-sensitive supplies.
🚨 Ready for the next call: When the tones drop, we need to be able to move immediately. There’s no time to wait for an ambulance to restart or for equipment and medications to return to the proper operating conditions.
⛽ And about the fuel: We also want to clear up a common misconception—taxpayer dollars do not pay for the fuel in our ambulances. Our fuel is paid for through the ambulance association’s funds and revenue.
So the next time you see an ambulance sitting somewhere with the engine running, there’s a reason! It’s about keeping our crews, equipment, medications, and—most importantly—our patients safe and ready for the next call.
We may look like we’re just sitting there, but we’re always preparing for the next call!
