A Research on the Korean Ambulance Color Design and Trend Analysis

As services for citizens’ security and protection offered at the national and social levels become more widely recognizedacross society, the more frequent use of ambulances by patients with both minor and major injuries is beingobserved. However, the number of safety accidents during transport by ambulances, which are responsible for the prompttransport of patients, has been rising in tandem with the increase in their use. This is due not only to their inconspicuousnessboth on the road and in other environments where these vehicles are exposed, but also to the high chance of secondaryaccidents, putting the lives of both patients and emergency responders at risk. It is important to study and developdesigns that guarantee protection against safety accidents, noting that ambulances are completely exposed and unprotectedon the road on cloudy days and at night-time. In addition, by identifying colors and design motives that enhance theconspicuity of ambulances from a distance and increase their security, emergency responders and patients can be safelyprotected, the identity of the ambulances can be reinforced and modernized, and the sense oppression which can be visuallyimposed on patients in a psychologically unstable condition can be eased. Against this backdrop, this study presentsthe process involved in deriving the exteriors of ambulances in Korea, including their colors and patterns, by examiningthe established global best practices and identifying the need for more studies into colors, even unconventional ones, thatimprove their safety.