The Ambulance Toy Boom Returns? Playmobil and Bruder’s Realistic Lights-and-Sirens Models Captivate Adults Too

A scene from last weekend's local fire department's annual parade is still stuck with me. In front of a real ambulance, a line of parents and kids was waiting for a turn to look inside. Among them, a little boy was excitedly showing his dad his phone screen, yelling, "This one! This one!" On the screen was the blue Playmobil ambulance. It reminded me that I'd heard recently how that particular Playmobil ambulance, the one with lights and sound, is quietly becoming a collector's item for adults, going way beyond just being a kids' toy. That little boy must have seen it online and gotten hooked too.

Actually, the landscape around ambulances has changed a lot in the last few years. The number of emergency call-outs keeps hitting record highs, meaning there's a constant sense of urgency on the front lines. Maybe it's because of this that kids seem to be looking up to paramedics and firefighters more and more. And as a symbol of that, the toys getting the most attention right now are these high-quality ambulance models, like the Playmobil one I mentioned.

This Playmobil ambulance with lights and sound, where the striking "blue" is the key colour, is arguably one of the most feature-packed models Playmobil has ever made. It's not just a lump of plastic. It has siren sounds and flashing LEDs, of course, but also a realistic stretcher, opening rear doors, and even detailed parts replicating the medical equipment used in the field. Just imagining the intense role-playing scenarios a kid could create with this is enough to get you excited.

On the other hand, you absolutely can't overlook the bruder/MB ambulance (with figures) from the German company bruder. This one is in a league of its own, with an incredible sense of realism that sets it apart from Playmobil. The body, licensed by Mercedes-Benz, looks just like a miniature model. The moving parts are crafted with unbelievable precision; the way the side and rear doors open and close, and the front wheels that steer in sync with the steering wheel, have a quality that makes even adults go "wow" when they handle it.

Choosing between these two really comes down to personal preference.

• Go with Playmobil if: you value character and play potential. It works perfectly with the figures and the fun of creating your own stories.
• Go with bruder if: you value realism and detail accuracy. It's perfect for admiring the authentic Mercedes-Benz form, a more display-oriented kind of enjoyment.

Either way, these modern ambulance toys are in a completely different league from just being "toys". They're a world away from the cheap plastic ambulances I had as a kid. Especially with the bruder MB ambulance, from the badge on the bonnet to the shape of the wheels, it's so detailed you might think you're holding a real miniature car. With the models that come with figures, you can recreate a scene right from the roadside, which will really fire up a child's imagination.

When you think of "ambulance toys", it's easy to picture something just for kids, but that's not the case anymore. Have a look on social media for hashtags like "#PlaymobilAmbulance" or "#bruderAmbulance". You'll find heaps of accounts showcasing them as part of a collection, or creating dramatic scenes combined with dioramas. It's surprising how many fans are men in their 30s and 40s.

These realistic ambulance toys, which adults can seriously play with or display, are generating a quiet buzz right now. The reason is probably the respect they show for the real thing. Of course, the work of actual paramedics is no game. But it feels like we've entered an era where parents and kids can share an appreciation for the people who protect our communities, through these incredibly detailed miniatures. I think that's a wonderful thing.

At our place, my wife and I are deciding which one to get for our eldest son's birthday next month. The Playmobil one for the lights and sounds, or the bruder for its driving realism... It's a tough choice, but even just deciding is part of the fun.