Manchester Fire Begins Advanced Life Support Emergency Medical Services

Photo by Manchester Township Volunteer Fire & Rescue.

(Manchester, Ind.) - As of Wednesday, the Manchester Township Fire Department has officially transitioned to providing Advanced Life Support emergency medical services. 

The upgrade from Basic Life Support means the department is now equipped to deliver more advanced, life-saving care during medical emergencies. 

Advanced Life Support is care provided by advanced EMTs and paramedics. It includes 

• Cardiac monitoring (EKGs)
• Advanced medical procedures and technologies
• IV fluids and emergency medications
• Advanced airway management (intubation)
• Treatment for heart attacks, seizures, and more

Traditional Basic Life Support is care provided by EMTs and focuses on immediate, non-invasive care such as CPR, bleeding control, oxygen administration, splinting, and basic airway support. 

Here’s a breakdown of the difference:

Why Advanced Life Support is this important?

When seconds count, the ability to start advanced care on the scene — rather than waiting until arrival at the hospital — can truly be the difference between life and death. Trained ALS providers can now initiate the kind of emergency interventions typically performed in an ER, directly in the field.