List of mandatory equipment in VSL ambulances in 2025

As a reminder, sanitary vehicles are categorized into 4 distinct types. Each type, associated with a category, allows for care adapted to the patient's condition to be transported:

• Category C ambulances / Type A: they are intended for the transport of patients in stable condition, not requiring intensive care.

• Category A ambulances / Type B: they are also known as ASSU ambulances. The ASSU ambulance is designed to transport patients in emergency situations or suffering from illnesses requiring specific equipment.

• Category A / Type C: These ambulances are used for mobile emergency services. They allow for the transport of accident or fire victims, in particular.

• Category D / VSL: VSLs (Light Sanitary Vehicle) are intended for the transport of individuals in a seated position. This distinguishes them from ambulance-type vehicles.

Each of these types requires a specific precise equipment that must be regularly checked.

Download the list of mandatory equipment for ambulances and VSLs

Compliance with ARS requirements is necessary to ensure the safety of transported patients.

If mandatory equipment is missing or malfunctioning during a check, the approval may be suspended. It is important to ensure that all mandatory equipment is present and working correctly during an inspection. If not, there may be consequences such as a temporary suspension of approval.

You will find below the official documents from ARS and the Ministry of Health regarding mandatory equipment for your sanitary vehicles.

Type A, Type B, Type C ambulances, and VSL. Click on the links below to open these lists in PDF or DOC format. You can also obtain the digital version, intended to be displayed on phones by paramedics. It will require the creation of a (free) account on the VESUV application.

Official decree of December 12, 2017 (Ministry of Health): required material installations for vehicles assigned to land sanitary transport:

The best way to verify the list of necessary equipment and ensure that it complies with regulations is to use an application like Vesuv. This application allows the digitization of checks. Paramedics can use the application on their phone to be alerted in case of missing or replaceable equipment. Vesuv offers ready-to-use templates for sanitary transport, usable on phone or computer.

Management of sanitary transport

Sanitary transport companies use light sanitary vehicles (VSL) and private ambulances that meet safety standards. Sanitary transport companies use VSL and private ambulances in compliance with safety standards. These vehicles are used for different types of transport, according to the needs of SAMU or medical prescription. VSLs allow for transport in a seated position, while ambulances allow for transport in a lying position.

Costs and reimbursements

Transport costs are regulated and can be covered by contracted taxis or VSLs, following a precise medical prescription. This prescription is essential to benefit from reimbursement by health insurance, ensuring fair cost management for patients.

Medical equipment and compliance

Vehicles are equipped with essential medical material, ranging from wheelchairs to more complex devices for emergencies. Regular checks prescribed by ARS ensure compliance and maintenance of medical equipment, crucial for patient safety.

Find more information on the digitization of ambulance procedures on our website.