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Defining Appropriate Responses in a Tiered System

High Performance EMS

The very low risk calls can typically be satisfied with basic life support (BLS) capabilities. Given the time, a BLS crew can begin life-sustaining measures or conduct an assessment for proper hand-off to the paramedics upon arrival. If available, the supervisor is added to effectively create an ALS transport ambulance.

BLS 264
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How it all Started

Chicago EMT Training

The EMS program even had an ambulance at one point. For a variety of reasons, the department got rid of the ambulance. We continued providing non-transport BLS to events on campus. We continued providing non-transport BLS to events on campus. It was servicing a mile radius around UIC's campus.

EMT 130
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Passing ‘Fast’ for ‘Appropriate’ Responses

High Performance EMS

With expected delays beyond that time limit, it may be acceptable to dispatch a BLS unit to begin care while still allowing the ALS resource to join the response from a longer distance. A Bravo request could be most efficiently served in a BLS capacity with longer response times before it would be deemed late.

BLS 130
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Adrenal Crisis and Addison’s Disease: What EMS Needs to Know

NAEMSP

The responding BLS crew was unable to initiate adequate resuscitation, despite signs of shock. Steroids such as methylprednisolone (Solu-Medrol) and dexamethasone (Decadron) are commonly available in ALS ambulances and are appropriate for preventing or treating adrenal crisis.

EMS 122
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Optimizing Demand Forecasts

High Performance EMS

Figure 2 Sample data demonstrating ALS (green) and BLS (blue) call volume comparisons by hour-of-the-day and day-of-the-week. It is also common for ambulances to be busy longer than an hour in our post-pandemic world. Notice the similarity in daily patterns although total volume (represented by 90th percentile) is unique.

UHU 130
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Rock Bottom

Peter Canning

I am in the fly car and a BLS crew is in the ambulance. I don’t see anyone on two passes, but then I hear the BLS unit radio they’ve found him. They overdose behind the dumpster where I give them naloxone and put them in the ambulance. We’re dispatched to an overdose on Ashley Street.

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EMS vs. EMT: Clarifying Roles in Emergency Healthcare

EMT Training Station

This network includes more than just ambulance services; it incorporates a range of resources such as specialized medical equipment, emergency response vehicles (ambulances, helicopters, etc.), A Comprehensive Network of Care EMS encompasses a wide array of services and personnel dedicated to delivering emergency medical care.

EMT 98