Combination car (ambulance)

A combination car, in the context of emergency medical services, refers to a vehicle designed to serve multiple purposes, most commonly functioning as both a hearse (for transporting deceased individuals) and an ambulance (for transporting sick or injured individuals). These vehicles were most prevalent in smaller communities, particularly during the early to mid-20th century, where the demand for dedicated ambulance services was low, and funeral homes provided ambulance services as part of their business offerings. This arrangement allowed funeral homes to efficiently utilize a single vehicle for both emergency and non-emergency transport, maximizing their return on investment.

The design of combination cars often incorporated features of both hearses and ambulances. The interior could be configured to accommodate a casket or a stretcher, depending on the need. Some combination cars featured removable equipment, allowing for a relatively quick conversion from one function to the other. The exterior appearance often resembled a hearse, although modifications like emergency lights and sirens would indicate its capabilities as an ambulance.

The use of combination cars has largely declined with the growth of dedicated municipal and private ambulance services. Modern emergency medical services prioritize specialized vehicles and equipment dedicated solely to patient care and transport. The dual-purpose nature of combination cars raised ethical concerns regarding the transportation of the living in a vehicle also used to transport the deceased, contributing to their eventual obsolescence in most areas. While rare, vintage combination cars remain a part of automotive and medical history, often preserved and showcased in museums and historical collections.