article thumbnail

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.

BLS 264
article thumbnail

Supraglottic Airways for BLS

Peter Canning

Connecticut recently added supraglottic airways to the BLS scope of practice. I strongly believe BLS EMTs are capable of inserting supraglottic airways. When I started as a paramedic, the airway gold standard was an endotracheal, or ET tube. Both very bad. You did what only other medics and doctors could do. Look at me!

BLS 98
professionals

Sign Up for our Newsletter

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.

article thumbnail

"I Need a Medic!"

Chicago EMT Training

A quick breakdown on the differences between an EMT-B(asic) and an EMT-P(aramedic) Basic Life Support (BLS) vs Advanced Life Support (ALS) So there it is. Most of the 911 calls are BLS rather than ALS. The two main levels of care you would probably see in the prehospital setting. Don't get me wrong, an EMT-Bs can do A LOT.

BLS 130
article thumbnail

2023 AHA Update on Management Cardiac Arrest or Life-Threatening Toxicity Due to Poisoning

EMDocs

Author: Brit Long, MD (@long_brit) // Reviewed by Alex Koyfman, MD (@EMHighAK) The American Heart Association 2023 Guideline for managing cardiac arrest or life-threatening toxicity due to poisoning was recently released. This post will focus on the key parts of the guideline that affect ED evaluation and management. Top 10 Take Home Pearls 1.

Naloxone 115
article thumbnail

SGEM#231: You’re So Vein – IO vs. IV Access for OHCA

The Skeptics' Guide to EM

EMS arrives on scene and initiates high quality basic life support (BLS). Ian Stiell that demonstrated no advantage to ACLS vs. BLS for out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA). One defibrillation for ventricular fibrillation (VF) is provided but the patient remains in VF. Patients were also excluded if incarcerated or pregnant.

BLS 130
article thumbnail

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
article thumbnail

ALS and BLS Medical Care: Which should I have at my event?

Paramedics Unlimited

What is the difference between ALS and BLS Medical Care? In Basic Life Support (BLS) emergencies, a single EMS provider can not deliver optimum care, such as when trying to hold direct pressure on a bleeding wound, while preparing bandages, to stop bleeding.

BLS 52