Walter M.P. McCall

Ambulances, in one form or another, have been around as long as the existence of emergency medicine. Beginning with crude litters, the ambulance evolved slowly until the start of the 1900s, when the horse drawn ambulance was still the norm.

That all changed with the introduction of the first automobile ambulances - when the pace of innovation accelerated dramatically.

Early 20th century ambulances were tall and boxy. The mid-1920s brought the long, low limousine style to ambulance construction and for nearly 60 years the passenger car-based ambulance reigned. The 1970s brought big changes when new Federal vehicle standards brought about a revolution in ambulance design and the look and structure of ambulances changed forever.

Now for the first time, The American Ambulance 1900-2002 documents this important part of motor vehicle history — a fascinating story that is long overdue.

The book is divided into chapters illustrating ambulances by decade. Each chapter begins with 2-4 pages of text describing major innovations and improvements introduced during the decade.

Walt McCall is a widely recognized authority by Professional Car and Fire Engine enthusiasts worldwide.