Levels of Treatment for
Air Ambulance Services

Listed below are brief descriptions of the Levels of Treatment for an air medical transport:

Basic Life Support (BLS)
BLS is most commonly preventive in nature. BLS patients need minimal external life support, but are in need of monitoring or potential care during the air ambulance transport. The medical aircraft involved in the transport of patients requiring BLS transports must have both the equipment and air medical personnel on board capable of handling and treating a medical emergency.

Advanced Life Support (ALS)
The medical aircraft involved in the transport of patients requiring ALS transports must have both the equipment and air medical personnel on board to provide BLS functions as well as the capability to perform cardiac defibrillation, control and monitor dysrhythmias, administer drugs, and establish and maintain respiratory airways. Patients requiring ALS care are typically suffering from trauma, burns or cardiac failure, but may suffer from a variety of other conditions.

Critical Care
Critical Care is the highest level of care. Air Ambualnce Specialists will provide Critical Care air transport medical services for patients who are severely ill or injured. To provide Critical Care services, the air medical crew may be accompanied by a physician or other specialty staff. Patients requiring a Critical Care air ambulance transport must utilize the private air ambulance service. See our Services page for more information.