Paramedics

How ALS Works

Emerson's ALS is the second tier of this system of pre-hospital care and is comprised of hospital-based paramedics who travel to the site of an emergency. The ALS paramedics are called only when the patient's symptoms suggest a potentially life-threatening condition - possible heart attack, unconsciousness, stroke or major trauma such as resulting from an automobile accident. Here's how the system works:
In an emergency, a person at the scene calls the municipal ambulance service, which is based at the town's fire department.

The dispatcher asks the caller certain questions to determine the seriousness of the emergency.

If the dispatcher determines that the victim's condition could require advanced life support, he contacts the Emerson ALS paramedic team. At the same time, the municipal ambulance and EMTs proceed to the scene and begin basic life support procedures.

The ALS paramedic team travels to the site of an emergency in a non-transport vehicle containing advanced life support equipment. The team works with the EMTs under the direction of an Emerson emergency physician via telephone or radio communication.

The patient is stabilized and transported to the most appropriate hospital in the municipal ambulance, with EMTs and paramedics working together to provide treatment. In some instances of severe trauma, such as a fall or automobile accident, patients can be airlifted by helicopter from the scene or from Emerson's on-site helipad to a trauma center.

How ALS Works Roles of Paramedics and EMTs Service Area Program Funding What to do in an Emergency Additional Information	Home : Support Services : Paramedics : How ALS Works
	Paramedics How ALS Works Emerson's ALS is the second tier of this system of pre-hospital care and is comprised of hospital-based paramedics who travel to the site of an emergency. The ALS paramedics are called only when the patient's symptoms suggest a potentially life-threatening condition - possible heart attack, unconsciousness, stroke or major trauma such as resulting from an automobile accident. Here's how the system works: In an emergency, a person at the scene calls the municipal ambulance service, which is based at the town's fire department. The dispatcher asks the caller certain questions to determine the seriousness of the emergency. If the dispatcher determines that the victim's condition could require advanced life support, he contacts the Emerson ALS paramedic team. At the same time, the municipal ambulance and EMTs proceed to the scene and begin basic life support procedures. The ALS paramedic team travels to the site of an emergency in a non-transport vehicle containing advanced life support equipment. The team works with the EMTs under the direction of an Emerson emergency physician via telephone or radio communication. The patient is stabilized and transported to the most appropriate hospital in the municipal ambulance, with EMTs and paramedics working together to provide treatment. In some instances of severe trauma, such as a fall or automobile accident, patients can be airlifted by helicopter from the scene or from Emerson's on-site helipad to a trauma center.