Basic Life Support (BLS) Road Ambulances

Basic Life Support (BLS) ambulances play a vital role in the healthcare ecosystem, particularly in non-critical or moderately acute patient transfers. At Bharat Aeromedical Retrieval Service (BARS), our BLS services offer a safe, reliable, and medically supervised mode of transport for patients who do not require advanced medical interventions during transit but still need clinical oversight. Designed with patient comfort and operational efficiency in mind, BARS' BLS ambulances provide dependable transport options for hospitals, clinics, and home-based care settings.

BLS ambulances are ideal for patients with stable vital signs who may still require assistance, monitoring, or mobility support. They serve as the link between point-of-care and advanced medical facilities for a wide variety of cases:

• Non-emergency inter-hospital transfers
• Scheduled follow-ups for chronic disease management
• Diagnostic visits (MRI, CT scans, X-rays, labs)
• Post-surgical transport (stable, non-ICU patients)
• Dialysis or chemotherapy session transfers
• Assisted transport for elderly or mobility-restricted individuals

Each BLS ambulance is designed for optimal safety and comfort during non-critical patient movement. Key inclusions are:

• Automated External Defibrillator (AED)
• First-aid kits and immobilization tools
• Oxygen delivery systems (nasal cannula or face mask)
• Manual suction devices
• Wheelchair and stretcher accessibility
• Patient privacy curtains
• Interior lighting suitable for basic examinations
• Air conditioning for thermal comfort

Each BLS ambulance is manned by:

• Emergency Medical Technician – Basic (EMT-B): Trained in first aid, CPR, airway management, patient handling, and basic triage
• Driver trained in defensive and emergency medical vehicle driving protocols

• A 72-year-old diabetic patient requiring biweekly dialysis is transported from home to the dialysis center and back with oxygen support.
• A post-operative orthopedic patient is transferred for a physiotherapy session.
• A stable pediatric case is moved from a rural clinic to a city hospital for a specialist consultation.

In each case, the presence of trained EMTs provides not just safety but peace of mind to patients and their families.

Our BLS ambulances operate as part of a larger connected grid. Through our Command and Control Center:

• Dispatch is optimized based on location, traffic, and availability
• Route updates and ETA tracking are shared with the receiving medical facility
• Real-time updates can be shared with family members and caregivers

Additionally, BLS ambulances are often deployed as ground support during fixed-wing and helicopter transfers. For patients who are stabilized after emergency care, BLS transport is frequently used for discharges and hospital relocations.

BARS' BLS units are integrated with our smart health transport network:

• Digital trip sheets synced with hospital information systems
• Real-time geo-tracking
• Optional teleconsult support with general physicians
• QR-based patient ID tagging for seamless information handoff

Recognizing that not every transport requires an ICU setup, BLS ambulances offer an affordable alternative while maintaining the safety of clinical oversight. They are especially valuable in extending services to:

• Economically disadvantaged patients (through CSR-backed programs)
• Insurance-covered medical visits under empanelled networks
• Long-term care patients with regular transport requirements

Each BLS ambulance adheres to:

• NABH-aligned protocols for patient transport
• Daily vehicle sanitation and equipment sterilization
• Emergency response checklists for CPR, basic trauma, and airway control
• Infection control protocols, including PPE for EMTs when needed

BLS crews participate in hands-on simulation exercises for:

• Safe stretcher handling in varied terrain
• Elderly and bariatric patient transport
• Basic airway obstruction and CPR drills
• Seizure and diabetic emergency scenarios

BARS uses its BLS fleet to support outreach health missions such as:

• Mobile check-up and vaccination camps
• Rural patient pickup drives for specialty diagnostics
• NGO-partnered home-care transfers

These initiatives aim to bring continuity of care and access to health systems for populations beyond urban centers.

We are innovating our BLS fleet with:

• Solar battery backups for sustainable operations
• Real-time EHR upload capability via onboard tablets
• Specialized pediatric BLS units
• Women-led BLS teams to serve gender-sensitive zones

During the July 2024 floods in Bihar, BARS deployed BLS ambulances across relief camps to assist non-critical patients with mobility needs. Many elderly patients were safely evacuated to rehabilitation centers and dialysis facilities over 10 days, showcasing the resilience and accessibility of the BLS model.