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County moves to allow BLS staffing for non‑emergency interfacility transports to preserve ALS resources
Summary
The board approved first reading of an EMS ordinance update allowing physicians to specify Basic Life Support for eligible non‑emergency interfacility transports, freeing Advanced Life Support ambulances for 911 calls. The change updates state code references and will return May 19 for final passage.
El Dorado County supervisors approved the first reading of an ordinance Friday that would allow non‑emergency interfacility ambulance transports to be staffed at the level ordered by the physician responsible for the patient — including Basic Life Support (BLS) when medically appropriate — with final adoption scheduled for May 19.
Emma Owens, a principal management analyst in the county Chief Administrative Office, said the change implements state Emergency Medical Services Act guidance and updates references to the California Code of Regulations. "This will help preserve critical ALS resources so Advanced Life Support ambulances remain available for 911 responses," Owens said.
Ryan Wagner, executive director of the Kal Tahoe JPA (a contracted regional EMS oversight entity), told the board he supported the change because it allows local hospitals to request appropriate, lower‑cost transports without depleting ALS emergency response capacity. "This helps keep ALS units in service where they're needed most," Wagner said.
If adopted on May 19 as scheduled, the replacement ordinance (to be numbered 5263) will take effect 30 days after final passage and is intended to enable permitted providers to perform eligible non‑emergency IFTs at the level determined by the ordering physician. The board voted 5‑0 on the first reading and directed staff to return the ordinance for final adoption at the May 19 meeting.
