Basic Life Support (BLS) is emergency care that keeps a patient stable using non-invasive techniques: airway management, cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), bleeding control, and defibrillation with an automated external defibrillator (AED). Patriot Ambulance’s BLS units are staffed by state-certified Emergency Medical Technicians (EMTs) trained to these standards.
What Is Basic Life Support (BLS)?
BLS covers the first-line emergency techniques used to support a patient’s survival before or instead of advanced medical intervention: airway management, CPR, bleeding (hemorrhage) control, splinting for fractures, spinal immobilization, and basic first aid. Because CPR and AED use can significantly affect survival in a cardiac emergency, BLS techniques are designed to be delivered immediately by first responders, EMTs, or paramedics, before more advanced care becomes available.
BLS vs. Advanced Life Support (ALS)
BLS is provided by EMTs and covers non-invasive techniques. Where a patient’s condition requires medication administration, IV lines, or advanced airway procedures, our Advanced Life Support (ALS) paramedic units are the appropriate level of care instead. Patriot Ambulance dispatches the level of care that matches each patient’s clinical needs.
When BLS Transport Is the Right Level of Care
BLS transport is appropriate for patients who are medically stable but need monitoring, mobility assistance, or basic emergency care during transport, including scheduled medical appointments, hospital discharges, and inter-facility transfers that do not require paramedic-level intervention. For patients who need routine, non-emergency rides without BLS-level monitoring, see our wheelchair transportation and shuttle and bus service. For patients with bariatric needs, see bariatric transportation, and for higher-acuity inter-facility transfers, see critical care 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. Learn more on our About Us page.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between BLS and ALS?
BLS covers non-invasive techniques such as CPR, AED use, and bleeding control, delivered by EMTs. ALS adds paramedic-level care such as IV medication and advanced airway management. See our Advanced Life Support page for more detail.
Who staffs Patriot Ambulance’s BLS units?
BLS units are staffed by state-certified Emergency Medical Technicians (EMTs).
Is BLS transport covered by insurance?
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.