Basic life support ambulance transport increases the probability of survival

Truth is there is little difference between the survival rate of patients treated by a paramedic or EMT. The ALS versus BLS Debate 

Advanced ambulance care increases mortality Basic life support ambulance transport increases the probability of survival Patients suffering from trauma, heart attack or stroke have a better chance at survival if they are transported by a basic life support ambulance than by an advanced life support ambulance, according to a new study involving data from nearly 400,000 patients in non-rural counties nationwide.

Paramedics tend to "stay and play" doing patient care where the EMT will load and go to the ER using basic skills to get the patient to definitive care sooner. Dolan Springs to KRMC by ground ambulance is about 30 minutes. If a medical helicopter is called after the ambulance arrives on scene it can take over an hour to get to definitive care.

The city of Mattoon plans to enter into an agreement with Mattoon Firefighters Local 691 to allow newly hired firefighters to EMTs instead of paramedics

Cost to train an EMR around $250 Cost to train an EMT around $1500 Cost to train a paramedic around $20,000

A locally trained EMR can drive and assist an EMT or paramedic on the LMRFD ambulance for only $250.