High Performance BLS: How Empowered EMTs Save Lives Before ALS Arrives

High-performance BLS is the backbone of prehospital care and remains one of the most influential determinants of patient survival. As EMT scope continues to expand—now including CPAP, 12-lead acquisition, bronchodilator therapy, and increasingly complex assessment expectations—basic providers must be trained to deliver timely, coordinated interventions that significantly improve outcomes before ALS arrives. This session provides a practical, system-wide approach for elevating BLS performance using structured treatment sequences, early recognition frameworks, and efficient teamwork models. Participants will learn evidence-based methods to improve respiratory, cardiac, and medical decision-making at the EMT level, while also exploring how agency culture, QA/QI, and scenario-based education can transform BLS operations. Drawing from extensive field leadership and instructional experience, this session translates real-world tactics into actionable steps agencies can implement to strengthen EMT competence, reduce treatment delays, and enhance patient safety. Attendees will leave with concrete tools for building a high-performance BLS system that consistently delivers strong patient care regardless of ALS availability.