Advanced Life Support (ALS) is emergency medical care delivered by paramedics trained beyond Basic Life Support (BLS), including cardiac monitoring, IV medication administration, and advanced airway management. Patriot Ambulance has provided ALS transport in the Philadelphia region since 2003, staffing every ALS unit with state-certified paramedics.
What Is Advanced Life Support (ALS)?
Advanced Life Support extends past Basic Life Support (BLS) to give critical treatment for cardiovascular emergencies such as heart failure, stroke, and myocardial infarction. Where BLS focuses on airway, breathing, and circulation using non-invasive techniques, ALS paramedics are trained and authorized to administer medication, start intravenous (IV) lines, interpret cardiac rhythms, and perform advanced airway procedures before a patient reaches the hospital.
The American Heart Association Chain of Survival
ALS is one of the links in the American Heart Association’s Chain of Survival, the sequence of actions proven to improve outcomes after sudden cardiac arrest. The five links are:
- Immediate recognition of cardiac arrest and activation of the emergency response system
- Early, high-quality CPR with an emphasis on chest compressions
- Rapid defibrillation
- Effective advanced life support
- Integrated post-cardiac-arrest care
ALS Skills and Equipment Our Paramedics Use
Patriot Ambulance paramedics providing ALS care are trained and authorized to:
- Administer medication and injections en route to the receiving facility
- Start and manage IV and intraosseous lines
- Read and respond to cardiac rhythms via ECG monitoring
- Perform advanced airway procedures, including intubation when indicated
- Deliver defibrillation and cardioversion when a patient’s cardiac rhythm requires it
Every ALS unit is equipped with GPS-tracked dispatch through our Traumasoft platform and receives the same ongoing professional education and quality-assurance review that covers our full paramedic and EMT staff.
Who Needs ALS Transport?
ALS transport is appropriate for patients whose condition could become unstable during transport, or who already require ongoing monitoring or medication administration, including cardiac patients, stroke patients, and patients being transferred between hospitals or care facilities for a higher level of care. If a patient’s needs are more stable, our Basic Life Support (BLS) service may be the appropriate level of care instead; for scheduled non-emergency rides, see our wheelchair transportation and shuttle and bus service. Patients being transferred between facilities for a higher level of cardiac or trauma care should see our critical care transportation page, and patients with bariatric needs should see bariatric transportation.
About Patriot Ambulance
Founded in 2003, Patriot Ambulance is one of the larger medical transportation employers in the area, with a team of more than 120 staff members including paramedics, EMTs, dispatchers, and vehicle maintenance personnel. Every vehicle is GPS-monitored through our Traumasoft dispatch system, and our onsite vehicle maintenance center keeps the fleet running at optimal performance. Learn more on our About Us page.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between ALS and BLS?
Basic Life Support (BLS) covers non-invasive care such as airway management, CPR, and oxygen administration. Advanced Life Support (ALS) adds paramedic-level interventions: IV medication, cardiac monitoring, and advanced airway procedures. See our Basic Life Support page for more detail.
Who staffs Patriot Ambulance’s ALS units?
ALS units are staffed by state-certified paramedics trained in advanced cardiac life support, medication administration, and advanced airway management.
Does insurance cover ALS transport?
Coverage depends on the patient’s insurance plan and the medical necessity of the transport. Contact our team to discuss your specific situation before scheduling.