ALS vs. BLS

[emt_6312]

So I've got a big problem. Last sept. my service that I volunteer for went ALS, and hired three medics. EMT's were told that we would stay on as vols. and run calls as EMT/medic teams. The real deal, is that now my 110 hours of training is worth nothing more than my 8 hours of EVOC, becuase I'm nothing but an ambulance driver now. My service is a private service, and as I understand it, as long as the medic is in back, the call is considered ALS, and we can charge the patient more - even if it was a blatantly BLS call. I've heard, and observed to a point, that out of all calls less than 50% of them need ALS skills. It seems stupid and wasteful to always have the medic in back - what do you guys all think? I'm planning on writing a letter to my manager, proposing that EMT's be allowed to ride on BLS calls. Any info you can give me to back up my argument would be great. Thanks - hope to hear from lots of people soon!

[This message has been edited by emt_6312 (edited May 12, 2000).]

[benson911]

It will change.

The medics will soon begin to tire of always riding in the back and will hand over BLS runs to you with pleasure. If you want to provide more patient care and be more than a "driver," then become a Medic. Don't let the ALS change beat you, become the best paramedic they have. The best EMT's make the best medics.

[Paramark14]

One thing that will put a stop to things is when the insurance carrier refuses ALS payment. Remember that you and your medic are a team and your training is important too.

Mark
EMTP
Indiana

[fyrmedik]

Most of our trucks run with a medic and an EMT....we are a private provider that runs emerg and transfers. For the most part, we run call for call, unless there is a skill that the medic can perform, that is going to benefit the patient.

[Medicman315]

Good luck, I work for a municiple fire department at a paramedic, and we have the opposite problem, we have emt's that think that if a paramedic is on the ambulance that the EMT'S should not have to take any patients at all, and the medics should be in the back with all patients, and I agree with the comments about the insurance companies, but that wont change the fact that the services may still mandate that the paramedics stay in the back, and try to play the odds on acceptance or denial of the claim to the insurance company.

[Lt.2]

I work at a private service with an opposite problem. We run an emt-p and emt most of the time. The problem is that our local hospitals will always find a reason why we should run the pt. advanced. Mostly this is to decrease the time spent starting a line, blood draws etc. in the e.r.. We are an agressive service and only tires have guarantees but we still know a basic call from an advanced. I think the problem lies in the fear that if all pts. are not cared for by paramedics that the liability issue will come into play. Maybe we should let more e.r. docs and lawyers do ride alongs.