Boston EMS

[FireMedic049]

Ed,

 

After watching some of the Boston EMS episodes, I have a few questions if you don't mind.

 

1. I noticed in a couple of instances the BLS units administered nebulizer treatments, which in my state is reserved for the Paramedic level.  Do the EMTs have an expanded scope of practice to allow for that stuff or are they actually EMT-I?

 

2. Given the heavy reliance on BLS transport units vs ALS transport units, does Boston utilize any sort of paramedic response vehicles (other than field supervisor units) to meet up with the BLS units?

 

3. When an ALS & BLS unit go to the same call, it seemed like both paramedics rode in with the patient (regardless of the actual need for multiple providers).  In some cases, it appeared that they did so in the BLS unit rather than their unit and I assume one EMT drove and the other brought the 2nd unit to the hospital.  Is this the normal practice?  Are the BLS units stocked with ALS equipment to some extent for that or do the paramedics need to bring whatever ALS gear they need with them from their truck?

 

4. How often do you encounter situations where a patient needs ALS, but it's not available due to having such a small number of ALS units on duty?

 

 

Just curious since your system is a lot different than what's in my area, including a city a little smaller that Boston.

 

Thanks.