Editing Emergency medical services (section)

===Motorization===
[[File:Royal Naval World War I ambulance truck, KT9793, c 1919 Wellcome L0034479.jpg|right|thumb|A [[Royal Navy]] ambulance during [[World War I]]]]
Also in the late 19th century, the [[automobile]] was being developed, and in addition to horse-drawn models, early 20th century ambulances were powered by [[steam]], [[gasoline]], and [[electricity]], reflecting the competing automotive technologies then in existence. However, the first motorized ambulance was brought into service in the last year of the 19th century, with the [[Michael Reese Hospital]], [[Chicago]], taking delivery of the first automobile ambulance, donated by 500 prominent local businessmen, in February 1899.<ref name=Ambulance/> This was followed in 1900 by New York City, who extolled its virtues of greater speed, more safety for the patient, faster stopping and a smoother ride. These first two automobile ambulances were electrically powered with 2&nbsp;hp motors on the rear axle.<ref name=Ambulance/>

During [[World War I]], further advances were made in providing care before and during transport; [[traction splint]]s were introduced during the war and were found to have a positive effect on the [[morbidity]] and [[death|mortality]] of patients with leg fractures.<ref>{{cite journal|pmid=15326449|year=2004|last1=Bledsoe|first1=B.|title=Traction splint. An EMS relic?|journal=Journal of Emergency Medical Services|volume=29|issue=8|pages=64–9|last2=Barnes|first2=D.}}</ref> [[Two-way radio]]s became available shortly after World War I, enabling for more efficient radio [[Dispatch (logistics)|dispatch]] of ambulances in some areas. Prior to [[World War II]], there were some areas where a modern ambulance carried advanced medical equipment, was staffed by a [[physician]], and was dispatched by radio. In many locations, however, ambulances were [[hearse]]s, the only available vehicle that could carry a recumbent patient, and were thus frequently run by [[funeral home]]s. These vehicles, which could serve either purpose, were known as [[combination car (ambulance)|combination car]]s.<ref name="Kuehl">Kuehl, Alexander E. (Ed.). ''Prehospital Systems and Medical Oversight'', 3rd edition. ''National Association of EMS Physicians''. 2002.{{page needed|date=November 2018}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|title=Miller-Meteor History|url=http://www.miller-meteor.com/history.asp|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070314002150/http://www.miller-meteor.com/history.asp|archive-date=14 March 2007|access-date=23 February 2007|website=Miller-Meteor}}</ref>

Prior to World War II, hospitals provided ambulance service in many large cities. With the severe manpower shortages imposed by the war effort, it became difficult for many hospitals to maintain their ambulance operations. City governments in many cases turned ambulance services over to the police or fire department. No laws required minimal training for ambulance personnel and no training programs existed beyond basic first aid. In many fire departments, assignment to ambulance duty became an unofficial form of punishment.{{citation needed|date=June 2020}}