Difference between Basic Life Support (BLS) and Advanced Life Support (ALS) Ambulances.

Have access to our excellent ambulance services with the facility of both basic Life Support and Advanced Life Support with Medcab.

Introduction 

Every second counts in a medical emergency.  The selection of the proper ambulance can have a significant effect on the outcome in an emergency case, be it an accident, trauma, heart attack, etc. If you are in such a situation and call in for an ambulance service, you might have come across the expressions BLS ambulance and ALS ambulance. Do you know what they stand for? ALS refers to Advanced Life Support ambulance while BLS is for Basic Life Support ambulance.

The comprehensive guide will be your companion through the whole understanding process about the ambulance features, equipment, staff and the right time to select a Basic Life Support (BLS) or Advanced Life Support (ALS) ambulance.

Understanding the Levels of Ambulance Services: Basic Life Support Ambulance vs Advanced Life Support Ambulance.

Ambulance service is categorized mainly into two types which are basic life support (BLS) and advanced life support (ALS).

The kind of treatment we have, medicals we have, and quality staff are all taken into account.  Familiarity with these differences helps in ensuring that the patient receives the suitable amount of emergency care whilst on the move.

What do you mean by BLS ambulance service? 

What is BLS ambulance service? A Basic Life Support ambulance transports patients in need of monitoring and non-invasive treatment. BLS stands for Basic Life Support ambulance, providing essential medical care to patients. An ambulance with BLS refers to a vehicle which is used for transport of patients in emergency situations who require medical care and monitoring of a patient's condition.

Essential Components of a Basic Life Support Ambulance.

Typical components of a Basic Life Support ambulance are.

• Wheelchair and stretcher facilities.
• Systems for delivering and supplying oxygen.
• Kits for wound treatment and first aid.
• AED or automated external defibrillator.
• Simple tools for managing airways.
• Monitoring equipment that captures vital signs – pulse oximeters, blood pressure cuffs.

Staffing for Basic Life Support Ambulances.

The personnel is one of the distinctive differences between Basic Life Support and Advanced Life Support ambulances.

Typically, a BLS ambulance is manned by 

• EMTs or emergency medical technicians.
• Drivers with first aid and patient care training.

These professionals can do CPR, stop the bleed, splinter the fracture and ensure the patient’s safe transport.

When To Choose BLS Ambulance.

Are you unsure about when to use BLS ambulance services? When should you choose a BLS ambulance service?

• The patient is stable but will be monitored during transfer.
• The transfer doesn't threaten one's life (e.g., getting from a hospital to home or transferring a dialysis patient).
• Invasive medical intervention is not required.
• The patient needs elementary treatment, like oxygen support, not advanced resuscitation.

Some examples include:

• Minor fractures or injuries
   
• Stable post-surgical patients
   
• Chronic illness transfers
   
• Non-critical elderly transport
   

What is an ALS ambulance service?

What is ALS ambulance service? Advanced life support ambulances, also known as ALS ambulances, are custom-made for patients suffering from severe and life-threatening illness requiring sophisticated medical monitoring and intervention during transport.

ALS Ambulance Interpretation.

In ALS ambulances, highly skilled medical staff and sophisticated life-saving equipment are deployed to provide critical care to patients in emergencies at the scene or to be shifted to a hospital or higher-level care facility.

The Important Characteristics of an ALS Ambulance

Typically, an Advanced Life Support ambulance consists of.

• Defibrillator and cardiac monitor.
• Ventilators and intubation kits are in this category.
• Tools for intravenous (IV) and intraosseous access.
• IV fluids and emergency drugs.
• Infusion sets and syringe pumps.
• Multiple-outlet oxygen delivery systems.
• Suction equipment.
• Patient monitoring with many parameters.

Staffing for Advanced Life Support Ambulances.

Typically, an ALS ambulance team consists of.

• A certified paramedic or nurse trained in advanced life support.
• A medical technician, or EMT.
• An expert driver with emergency reaction training.

The personnel difference between ALS and BLS ambulances depends on the level of care.  The paramedics in ALS ambulances are trained to perform advanced airway procedures and the management of cardiac emergencies and IV medicine administration.

When to choose an ALS ambulance

When determining the need for an ALS ambulance, consider the following situations: 

• The patient is unstable or unconscious. 
• There are cardiovascular problems (e.g., heart attack, arrhythmia, etc.) 
• The patient requires ventilatory assistance. 
• IV medications are required while transporting. 
• The patient is being transferred between intensive care units. 

In these scenarios, you have: 

• Cardiac arrest or heart attack 
• Major trauma or accident situations
• Seizures or strokes
• Severe difficulty breathing 
• ICU Transfers

Difference between basic Life Support and Advanced Life Support Ambulance service 

The core differences are as follows:

Let’s compare Difference Basic Life Support vs Advanced Life Support ambulance services in a simple table for better understanding.

The Role of Technology in Modern Ambulance Services 

Both BLS and ALS ambulance services incorporate GPS tracking, real-time updates and online booking systems. 

This allows for: 

•  Quicker response times
•  Accurate location tracking
•  Communication with hospitals at all times
•  Real-time communication between paramedics and physicians 

Furthermore, online medical emergency platforms allow users to easily book the correct type of ambulance, ensuring they receive the most timely support in a potentially life-threatening situation.

The Importance of Understanding Ambulance Levels

While most people have little appreciation for the significance of selecting the appropriate ambulance service level (BLS or ALS), it can ultimately affect patient outcomes:

• Basic Life Support Ambulance: Best for the transport of stable patients in a safely monitored environment.
• Advanced Life Support Ambulance: Important for a seriously-ill patient that requires life-saving methods.

Whether you are scheduling a transport for a loved one, a patient or a senior family member, understanding the differences of each service level will allow you to advocate and make an informed decision at the correct time could be life-saving for the patient. 

Wrap Up

Basic Life Support (BLS) ambulances and Advanced Life Support (ALS) ambulances are both crucial in the emergency medical transport sector. A BLS ambulance is designed to transport patients who are stable safely and reliably, while an ALS ambulance treats critically ill patients with advanced care and life-saving treatment during the transport.

The distinction between BLS and ALS ambulance services is not only based on the equipment types or staff composition of BLS/Ambulance or ALS/Ambulance but by the medical preparedness to cope with every emergency response.

Next time you or someone else requires an ambulance, you will be better equipped to judge if BLS or ALS ambulance service is more suitable. Moreover, choosing either will guarantee that the right care is delivered at the right time and in the right manner.