In the early days of EMS, every call received a lights and sirens response, and every call received the same equipment. In 2017, in an effort to provide the very best care and allocate equipment for its best use, MEMS became the first ambulance service in the state to adopt a tiered ALS/BLS system. This system allows MEMS' ACE Accredited dispatchers to process and route the best crew type (ALS or BLS) to a call.
In some instances, a BLS team will arrive on the scene first and administer care until an ALS team arrives, and vice versa.
The service map lists what kind of trucks are typically stationed, posted, or responds in a jurisdiction. It does not guarantee the truck or crew type that responds to a particular call or emergency.
ALS - Advanced Life Support
AKA "The Box Trucks"
Staffed with a Paramedic and EMT
BLS - Basic Life Support
AKA "The Vans"
Staffed with two EMTs, one being a Lead EMT.