Ambulance service, bis, emergency transport, all inclusive (mileage and supplies)
HCPCS code
Name of the Procedure:
Ambulance Service, Basic Life Support (BLS), Emergency Transport, All-Inclusive (A0302)
Summary
This procedure involves emergency transportation of a patient via a basic life support (BLS) ambulance. It is a comprehensive service that covers the ambulance ride, medical care provided during transport, necessary supplies, and mileage.
Purpose
The goal of this procedure is to provide timely and essential medical transport for individuals experiencing emergencies. This includes ensuring patient stability during transit to a medical facility where advanced care can be provided.
Indications
- Cardiac distress (heart attack)
- Severe respiratory issues (asthma attack, respiratory failure)
- Trauma (car accidents, falls)
- Severe allergic reactions (anaphylaxis)
- Stroke symptoms
- Unconsciousness or severe altered mental state
- Severe bleeding or burns
- Acute pain (such as severe abdominal pain)
Preparation
- No specific patient preparations are usually required before emergency transport.
- Medical personnel may perform a quick assessment on-site to stabilize the patient before transport.
Procedure Description
- Emergency Call and Dispatch: The procedure begins when an emergency call is made. Dispatch coordinates the nearest available ambulance for rapid response.
- On-Scene Arrival: Upon arrival, paramedics or emergency medical technicians (EMTs) assess the patient's condition.
- Initial Stabilization: Basic emergency care and stabilization are provided, which might include:
- Administering oxygen
- Performing CPR (if needed)
- Controlling bleeding
- Immobilizing fractures
- Transportation: The patient is loaded into the ambulance. En route, continuous monitoring and necessary medical interventions are provided.
- Arrival and Handover: Upon reaching the medical facility, the patient is transferred to the hospital care team for further treatment.
Tools and Equipment:
- Basic medical supplies (bandages, oxygen masks, etc.)
- Monitoring devices (blood pressure cuff, pulse oximeter)
- Emergency medications (epinephrine, nitroglycerin)
- Stretchers and immobilization devices
Anesthesia/Sedation: Not applicable for BLS transport.
Duration
The duration depends on the distance to the medical facility and the patient's condition, generally ranging from a few minutes to over an hour.
Setting
The procedure is performed in an ambulance, either responding from a hospital, dedicated ambulance station, or while on patrol.
Personnel
- Emergency Medical Technicians (EMTs)
- Paramedics
Risks and Complications
- Potential for patient’s condition to worsen during transport
- Risk of additional injury during loading/unloading
- Limited medical interventions available compared to advanced life support (ALS) units
Benefits
- Rapid transport to emergency medical facilities
- Immediate basic medical care to stabilize the patient
- Increased chances of positive outcomes in emergencies
Recovery
Post-procedure care is managed by the hospital or receiving medical facility. Patients may undergo further evaluations, treatments, or surgeries based on their specific condition.
Alternatives
- Advanced Life Support (ALS) Ambulance: Provides more advanced medical care during transport.
- Air Ambulance: Used for distant or remote locations where road transport is impractical.
- Non-Emergency Medical Transport: For patients who do not require urgent care.
Patient Experience
Patients may experience a range of emotions from anxiety to pain due to their medical condition. Ambulance personnel are trained to provide reassurance and pain management measures to ensure patient comfort during transport.