During a BLS-to-ALS handoff, which unit completes transport to the receiving facility?

During a BLS-to-ALS handoff, which unit completes transport to the receiving facility?

• A. The BLS ambulance will transport the patient.
• B. The ALS ambulance will transport the patient.
• C. The hospital transport team will transport the patient.
• D. The patient will be transported by private vehicle.

Answer: (B)

When a BLS-to-ALS handoff occurs, the ALS unit takes over and completes the transport to the receiving facility. This reflects the shift in care from basic to advanced level: the ALS crew will maintain and continue the necessary ALS interventions—such as airway management, IV lines, medications, and continuous monitoring—while en route. The BLS crew may assist with setup or handoff, but the responsibility for transporting the patient to the hospital lies with the ALS unit. The hospital transport team and private vehicle options don’t fit the typical EMS workflow for acute field cases: hospital transport teams handle non-emergency or interfacility transports, and private vehicles are unsafe for transporting patients needing emergency care.

When a BLS-to-ALS handoff occurs, the ALS unit takes over and completes the transport to the receiving facility. This reflects the shift in care from basic to advanced level: the ALS crew will maintain and continue the necessary ALS interventions—such as airway management, IV lines, medications, and continuous monitoring—while en route. The BLS crew may assist with setup or handoff, but the responsibility for transporting the patient to the hospital lies with the ALS unit. The hospital transport team and private vehicle options don’t fit the typical EMS workflow for acute field cases: hospital transport teams handle non-emergency or interfacility transports, and private vehicles are unsafe for transporting patients needing emergency care.