BLS Transport Program

Lehigh Acres Fire Control and Rescue District Launches BLS Transport Program; Enhances Availability of ALS Services

On September 1, the Lehigh Acres Fire Control and Rescue District launched a Basic Life Support (BLS) Transport Program to enhance the availability of Advanced Life Support (ALS) Transport services throughout the District. The BLS transport unit is placed in service (staffing permitting) in addition to the regularly staffed ALS transport units always available within the District.

The credentialed Firefighter/EMTs who staff the BLS transport unit receive extra training and test in front of our Medical Director, ensuring they are ready to provide exceptional BLS care during response and transport. When a patient requires transport to a medical facility outside of the District, it removes the transport unit from service for a significant amount of time. Using the BLS transport for calls that do not require ALS treatment helps keep the ALS transport units available within the District, ready to respond to calls requiring advanced life support care. 

In the first six days of the program, the BLS transport has responded to 37 calls, transporting 26 patients. This reflects hours of time (travel + unloading the patients at the hospital) that an ALS transport unit was able to remain in the District and respond to critical emergencies requiring a paramedic for transport.

“The BLS Transport Program has experienced a successful first week,” stated Chief Robert DiLallo. “The District staffed six transport units throughout the busy weekend, and an ALS transport was immediately available for several critical calls as the BLS unit was busy with other transports. This program is a reflection of our mission to continually improve the quality of emergency services delivered to the citizens and visitors of Lehigh Acres.”    

The Lehigh Acres Fire Control and Rescue District currently operates of out six fire stations located throughout the District. The fire engine/truck at each station is staffed to provide Advanced Life Support treatment in addition to the regularly staffed rescue trucks (transport units) that are in service throughout the District. The District also operates a Squad truck, which operates each day as ALS or BLS depending on staffing. The Squad can respond and provide treatment but is not a transport unit.

For more information on the apparatus discussed in this article, head to our YouTube channel (links below).

Why do Fire Engines Respond to Medical Calls? https://youtu.be/deqM7ZQmPjo

Squad 104 Feature Video https://youtu.be/b7ZkwazTjQg