Chest pain or a suspected heart problem
Continuous monitoring and a defibrillator close at hand.
Care level · ALS
Advanced Life Support. Care that keeps watch.
For patients who need monitoring and intervention on the way to hospital. A monitored care cabin, an emergency medical technician and a hospital that knows you are coming.
- 01MonitoredFrom pickup to handover
- 02Pre alertHospital informed before arrival
- 03VerifiedChecked to AIS 125
- 0424x7One toll free number
Inside the care cabin
A cabin built to keep watch
Each ALS cabin is laid out so the crew can reach everything without leaving the patient's side.
- 1Vital signs monitorHeart rate, oxygen and blood pressure on screen for the whole ride.
- 2DefibrillatorWall mounted and checked at the start of every shift.
- 3Stretcher with patientPositioned for care from both sides of the cabin.
- 4Emergency medical technicianTrained to assess, monitor and intervene on the way.
Who ALS is for
When the patient needs more than a ride
The call taker listens, asks a few questions and decides with you. These are some of the situations where an ALS ambulance is usually sent.
Breathing difficulty
Oxygen and airway support from the moment the crew arrives.
Serious injury
Road accidents, falls and injuries that need close watching.
Fits or loss of consciousness
A trained crew to protect the airway and monitor the patient.
Patients on a drip
Medicines and fluids continued safely on the way.
Emergency room referrals
Moves from a clinic or small hospital to a larger one.
Care on the way
What happens inside the ambulance
From the first minute with the patient to the handover, the crew works through the same steps on every ALS ride.
- Assess
The crew checks breathing, pulse and responsiveness as soon as they reach the patient.
- Monitor
Vital signs go on screen and stay there for the whole ride.
- Support
Oxygen, airway care and medicines given as per protocol.
- Pre alert
The receiving hospital is told who is coming and what to expect.
- Handover
The crew briefs the emergency team at the bay, with the case record.
Equipment
Everything an ALS ride needs, checked before it joins
Monitoring
- Multi parameter vital signs monitor
- Blood pressure and oxygen saturation
- Glucometer
Heart
- Defibrillator with pads
- Emergency cardiac medicines as per protocol
Airway and breathing
- Oxygen with flow control
- Airway kit and suction
- Bag valve mask with reservoir
Fluids and medicines
- IV stand and fluids
- Emergency medicine kit, sealed and logged
See it for yourself
Inside an ALS ambulance
A short walk through of the care cabin with a RISA emergency medical technician.
Inside an ALS ambulanceA walk through of the care cabin with a RISA emergency medical technician · 16:9 · 60 to 90 seconds
Choosing a care level
Three levels, one number
ALS sits between basic support and critical care. The call taker helps you choose.
BLS
Basic Life Support
Stable patients who need care and a safe ride
- Oxygen and first aid
- Stretcher and wheelchair
- Trained attendant
Advanced Life Support
Patients who need monitoring and intervention on the way
- Cardiac monitor and defibrillator
- Airway and breathing support
- Emergency medical technician
Critical Care
Critically ill patients and intensive care transfers
- Transport ventilator
- Infusion and syringe pumps
- Critical care trained staff
Not sure which level you need? You do not have to decide. The call taker asks a few questions and sends the right one.
Emergency · Toll free · 24x7
Someone needs advanced care now?
Call the toll free number and stay on the line. The call taker sends the nearest suitable ALS ambulance and guides you until it arrives.
Questions and answers
Advanced Life Support, answered
In an emergency, call 1800 108 1800 at any hour. For anything else, write to contact@smartambulance.com.
Visit the help centreWhat is an ALS ambulance?
An Advanced Life Support ambulance carries a vital signs monitor, a defibrillator, airway equipment and emergency medicines, with an emergency medical technician on board.
Who decides if a patient needs ALS?
The call taker decides with you after a few questions about the patient. You do not need to know the care level when you call.
Does the hospital know we are coming?
Yes. The crew sends a pre alert so the receiving team knows who is coming and what to expect.
Is there a doctor on an ALS ambulance?
ALS ambulances are crewed by an emergency medical technician and a driver. For transfers that need a doctor on board, ask for Critical Care.
Can I choose the hospital?
Tell the call taker your preferred hospital. The crew takes the patient there when it is safe to do so.
Keep exploring
More from Ambulance Services
Basic Life SupportCare and a safe ride for stable patients.Critical CareIntensive care transfers.How to RequestEvery way to request an ambulance.Hospital TransfersPlanned moves between hospitals.Before the Ambulance ArrivesWhat to do while help is on the way.All ambulance servicesThe full Ambulance Services overview.