Name of the Procedure:

Paramedic Intercept, Non-Hospital-Based ALS Service (Non-Voluntary), Non-Transport Common names: Paramedic Intercept, ALS Intercept

Summary

A Paramedic Intercept involves advanced life support (ALS) services provided by paramedics who are not hospital-based. This is a non-voluntary, non-transport service where paramedics meet an ambulance that is already on scene to assist with a critical patient requiring advanced medical care.

Purpose

Medical Conditions or Problems Addressed

• Cardiac arrests
• Severe trauma
• Respiratory distress
• Other life-threatening emergencies

Goals or Expected Outcomes

• Stabilize the patient's condition on-site
• Provide advanced medical interventions that basic EMS personnel may not be able to perform
• Improve patient survival and outcomes before hospital transport

Indications

Specific Symptoms or Conditions

• Severe chest pain or acute myocardial infarction
• Severe allergic reactions or anaphylaxis
• Unconsciousness
• Severe bleeding or multiple injuries
• Respiratory failure or severe difficulty breathing

Patient Criteria or Factors

• Patients in critical condition requiring immediate, advanced medical intervention
• Situations where the initial ambulance crew is unable to manage the patient effectively with basic life support (BLS) skills alone

Preparation

• No specific patient preparation is needed for emergencies
• Paramedics are dispatched following assessment by BLS providers or a 911 call indicating a critical condition
• Coordination between responding BLS and ALS units

Procedure Description

• The intercept paramedic team arrives on the scene where a BLS ambulance crew is already present
• Paramedics take over patient care, providing advanced medical procedures such as intubation, IV drug administration, defibrillation, and other lifesaving techniques
• Continuous monitoring and stabilization of the patient
• Coordination with BLS providers for ongoing care until hospital transport

Tools, Equipment, Technology Used

• Cardiac monitors
• Defibrillators
• Advanced airway management tools
• Intravenous medications

Anesthesia or Sedation

• Not commonly used; however, specific medications for pain relief or sedation may be administered if necessary

Duration

• Typically lasts as long as necessary to stabilize the patient’s condition on-site
• Duration can vary widely depending on the complexity of the patient’s condition

Setting

• On-site at the location of the medical emergency (e.g., homes, public locations)

Personnel

• Paramedics
• Supporting BLS personnel
• Communication with medical control (physician oversight by radio or phone)

Risks and Complications

Common Risks

• Potential for equipment malfunction
• Adverse reactions to medications

Rare Risks

• Further patient deterioration despite interventions

Management of Complications

• Immediate corrective measures on-site
• Rapid transportation to a hospital if stability cannot be achieved

Benefits

• Increased chances of patient stabilization and survival
• Potential for more rapid implementation of critical care interventions

Recovery

• Follow-up care in a hospital as needed
• Monitoring for potential complications from medications or interventions provided
• Coordination with hospital emergency department for continued care

Alternatives

Other Treatment Options

• Direct transport by BLS to the nearest hospital without ALS intervention

Pros and Cons of Alternatives

• Direct transport may be faster but lacks advanced life support capabilities
• Paramedic intercept provides critical care sooner, potentially improving outcomes

Patient Experience

During the Procedure

• Patients may experience anxiety or fear due to their critical condition
• Reassurance and explanation from medical personnel when possible

After the Procedure

• Immediate improvement in symptoms if interventions are successful
• Pain management and continued monitoring en route to or upon arrival at the hospital

Pain Management and Comfort Measures

• Administration of pain relief medications as needed
• Continuous assessment of patient comfort levels and needs

Feel free to ask if you need further clarification or additional information on any section of the procedure!