What are the guidelines or rules for utilizing ALS?
Advanced life support (ALS) must be utilized when available, appropriate and in the best interest of the patient. ALS or paramedic level care should never be denied a patient based on financial considerations or based on which agency is available to provide the ALS service. Both the New York State Basic Life Support Protocols and the WREMS Adult & Pediatric Advanced Life Support Protocols specify which patients should receive ALS care. These protocols must be followed. In addition, if a given dispatch center utilizes a priority medical dispatch protocol and can determine by caller interrogation that an ALS response is warranted, ALS should then immediately be dispatched (if available). Keep in mind however that BLS providers should not await the arrival of ALS to the scene and should initiate transport if ALS has not arrived and the patient is ready for transport. A BLS unit can intercept with an ALS unit en route to the emergency department in these events.
