When to call ALS?

[island emt]

WOW Kiwi: For an ambologist that was almost profound. :-} Must be drinking tea today!

Yes many place over use rotary wing ambulances . In some areas there are multiple air resources and locals tend to want to hand off, even if it delays getting the Pt to the trauma center.

[nypamedic43]

The question is posed for how to prepare for a test on evaluating trauma and when to call ALS. The point? TESTING. So the answer is...you call for ALS as soon as you have completed your scene size up and determined how many patients there are. Whether or not you are ILS. Some of the replies have mentioned protocols and medical direction and what exactly is an ILS provider. Totally irrelevant in the testing scenarios. You go down the sheet...scene size up, is the scene safe, BSI. how many patients and do I need help. The answer is yes...you need help. Call for ALS. Then do your assessments. Note injuries, fix what you can and package the patient. Reassess patient. Hand off to ALS. Done. And dont forget to check for pulse, motor and sensation before and after packaging the patient and reassess ABC's.

Trauma assessments aren't rocket science. If you follow the sheets you will be fine.

edited for spelling...again

Edited February 25, 2012 by nypamedic43

[Kiwiology]

WOW Kiwi: For an ambologist that was almost profound. :-} Must be drinking tea today!

I am a Kiwiologist not an Ambologist, I do know an Ambologist tho, and tea, ew no way I don't drink that pansy shit

[AnthonyM83]

A simplified answer: Call ALS on a trauma if there is a problem with ABCD's (and their ETA is closer than hospital).

There are exceptions to this in both directions, I'm sure, but it's a starting point.

For medicals, it can get a bit more complicated, since the patient could be stable, but still benefit from an assessment/intervention.

Sometimes, counties provide a list of required ALS criteria