Back to Basic: Implementation of a tiered-response BLS transport program

Increasing volumes along with ongoing staffing challenges for paramedics has demonstrated the need for creative staffing models to continue to deliver the highest care to patients in the EMS environment. Utilizing a tiered response system with primary Basic Life Support (BLS) response with EMT-B crews is one such staffing model to accomplish this goal. The COVID-19 pandemic lead to increasing staffing challenges in the setting of increased call volumes which lead to the implementation of this BLS response system within New Orleans EMS.

A large portion of EMS calls are lower acuity and do not benefit from ALS interventions. Providing alternative transport opportunity with a BLS transport not only lowers costs and decreases burden of staffing, but also provides patients with the appropriate resources for their stated complaint. We described the successful development and implementation of a tiered response system over a two-year period with BLS transport in an urban EMS agency as well as identify the potential challenges with changing to this model as well as ways to combat these challenges and achieve success.