How to get an Ambulance for shoot?
 

Hey all,

We are are wrapping up a shoot in Phoenix, and for one of our last scenes we need an ambulance. Our location scout has lost years of his life I'm sure for the stress involved in finding an ambulance service willing to lend a vehicle for the film. Simply stated, getting an ambulance has been incredibly difficult. The companies seem to be very hesitant, all for understandable reasons...but that doesn't change the fact that we need one. Now.
Does anyone have experience getting one, and can lend there advice ?

I'm getting one for a shoot I have next week, but we're getting it from a picture car company here in L.A. Easy in some ways, but expensive and a pain in others, as they have high requirements for deposits and production insurance. $2500 deposit, plus $400/day, plus the usual insurance cert.

A producer I know (that is not working on the job I mention), mentioned to me last night that we could have checked with ambulance companies as well, he's gotten much better deals that way. This guy produces $500k music videos, so I listen to what he says :-)

That sounds like what you're already doing. As there are likely no picture car companies in Phoenix, I think your only option is going to be to either pay $2000+ to get one for a day from L.A., or negotiate a deal with a a local company.

Try "Medical Transport" services. Not technically ambulances, they transport people between medical facilities. You might be able to hire one for a day. They look a lot like ambulances.

What do you need it for? Can you do a work around? Can you borrow/rent a van and apply some magnetic signs? Dress out the interior, that sort of thing? And finally, you can try and write around it.

Good luck.

From the Arizona film commission production guide:

http://www.azproduction.com/clients.php?id=87

No ambulances listed, but I bet one of these guys knows where to get one.

Try contacting a local private ambulance service. American Medical Response (AMR) is a national firm that may be in your 'hood. They may be willing to let you use a loaner or one that's out of service for basic repair. On the other hand, be prepared that they may want you to rent the vehicle and the crew for the day.

Is there a volunteer rescue squad in your area that might take a donation in return for the use of a vehicle?

Excellent ideas! I will look into them

Hi Jonas............
 

There is always the good 'ol standby method, when all else fails (now, I'm not really suggesting you do this, mind!).

Drop into the ambulance bay of the local big hospital and flash a wad of bills at some of the drivers, there's always one that's in need of the extra dough, and they have to have lunch sometime, don't they?

Just a thought if it's getting that desperate.

Alternatively, depending on just what, exactly, you want this vehicle for, you could always trip up a member of the crew and call 111. You'll get it arriving and departing, if nothing else.


CS

Perhaps a local volunteer resque squad? They'd likely help out for a donation...