Advanced Life Support.

Advanced Life Support, or ALS, describes a level of ambulance care involving advanced assessment or interventions. It is distinct from BLS; the label alone does not identify every treatment that can be provided during a particular trip.

When to start the conversation

A treating clinician may consider a higher level of transport support based on the patient’s condition and care needs. Patients and families should ask the care team to communicate those needs directly to the transport provider.

1. 01

   Identify the clinical contact

   Ask the sending facility who will discuss transport requirements and answer questions about the patient’s care.
2. 02

   Coordinate the handoff

   Clarify which team is receiving the patient and how the necessary information will reach them.
3. 03

   Resolve transport details

   Discuss the destination, requested timing and confirmation process with the provider before assuming a trip is arranged.

• Who will communicate care requirements?
• Is the receiving destination ready for the patient?
• Who will communicate changes to the transport plan?

Contact MEDICS to discuss a transportation request. The appropriate arrangement and availability must be confirmed for the individual trip. Keep patient and medical details out of general email.

MEDICS picks patients up across Greater Houston, including inside the City of Houston. Each request is confirmed after MEDICS reviews the details and availability.

General reference: CMS: ambulance service definitions. The patient’s care team determines the level of care needed.