What is EMS?

EMS stands for “Emergency Medical Services” and is the umbrella term used to define ambulance services and other emergency first responder roles.

What does BLS and/or ALS Ambulance mean?

BLS Ambulance stands for “Basic Life Support” and ALS Ambulance stands for “Advanced Life Support”. A Basic Life Support ambulance is staffed with CPR Drivers, EMRs, and EMTs to provide basic life support care. This includes basic airway management devices, limited medications, CPR, and many other skills. Advanced Life Support means an ambulance is staffed and equipped to an advanced level. This means higher level care can be provided such as pain medication delivery, manual defibrillation with a cardiac monitor, intravenous access and medication delivery, and many other advanced procedures.

What does a “normal” day look like in EMS?

EMS is a very unpredictable field. There may be days where there are several 911 calls to answer, or days where we are not needed. In between calls, providers are resting, training, or performing station duties.

What is my first step if I want to join?

Joining an EMS service is a great idea! EMS is a very rewarding career choice that brings a lot of personal satisfaction and growth opportunities. The first step is to enroll into an EMS program to get started. This may be an EMR program or event an EMT program!