Pennsylvania Statewide Intermediate Advanced Life Support Protocols - 2023 v1.2

Sep 23, 2026

Updated Pennsylvania statewide IALS (Intermediate Advanced Life Support) protocols issued by the Department of Health’s Bureau of Emergency Medical Services, version 2023 v1.2. The update highlights changes since prior releases, including new protocol content such as 1101i IALS Release to BLS, and explains how IALS providers and EMS agencies should review revisions and transition by the March 31 deadline. Guidance covers scope-of-practice adherence, protocol deviations documentation, dispatch coordination with PSAPs and ALS resources, and where to access current protocol materials and related training on TRAIN PA.

LanguageEnglish

CategoryHealthcare

FormatPDF

Pages92

Reading Time3 h 52 min

AccessFree to download

SECTION 1000i: Operations

1000i – General Protocol Principles

1101i – IALS Release to BLS

SECTION 2000i: Assessments & Procedures

2010i – Indications for ALS Use

Pennsylvania Statewide Intermediate Advanced Life Support Protocols Pennsylvania Department of Health Bureau of Emergency Medical Services 2023 v1.2 (717) 787-8740 December 29, 2023 Dear EMS Provider: The Bureau of EMS, Department of Health, is pleased to provide these updated “Statewide IALS Protocols” to the EMS providers of Pennsylvania. This 2021 update contains many important changes, but some of the highlights include new protocols: • 1101i IALS Release to BLS Pennsylvania has used Statewide IALS Protocols since July 1, 2015, and this edition is an update to the version that has been in effect since September 1, 2020. To assist IALS providers when reviewing the changes, new sections of the protocols that correspond to this 2020 version are identified with yellow highlighting, and sections that have been removed are struck through and highlighted. If an agency wishes to utilize this 2023 version of the statewide BLS protocols before the March 31 deadline, that agency may do so when its personnel have completed the statewide protocol updates for their level of training and its medical director approves early implementation. All personnel must have completed the training and begin functioning under the new protocols no later than the March 31 deadline. EMS providers are permitted to perform patient care, within their PA defined scope of practice, when following the appropriate protocol(s) or when following the order of a medical command physician. Each EMS provider is responsible for being knowledgeable regarding current state-approved protocols so that they may provide the safest, highest quality and most effective care to patients. To assist providers in becoming familiar with the changes to the protocols, a continuing education presentation is available to regions and agencies. This update is available for inperson presentations, or the course can be completed on TRAIN PA, the on-line Learning Management System (LMS) . The 2023 IALS Protocol Update (BEMS course \# 1000058615 ) will be considered a core requirement for all levels of EMS providers that register their certification during the current time period. It is essential that EMS agencies and regions that utilize IALS ambulances work with their county PSAPs and dispatch centers to ensure that the expansion of this level of care does not keep ALS agencies from being dispatched to appropriate calls. For example, an IALS agency with a provider functioning at the IALS level may be appropriate for a diabetic patient with altered mental status, but the additional interventions of an ALS agency should be dispatched to other patients with altered level of consciousness. EMS agencies providing IALS should work in conjunction with their PSAP and local ALS agencies to ensure the best care for their patients. When providing patient care under the EMS Act, EMS providers of all levels must follow applicable protocols. Since written protocols cannot feasibly address all patient care situations that may develop, the Department expects EMS providers to use their training and judgment regarding any protocol-driven care that would be harmful to a patient. When the provider believes that following a protocol is not in the best interest of the patient, the EMS provider should contact a medical command physician if possible. Cases where deviation from the protocol is justified are rare. The reason for any deviation should be documented. All deviations are subject to investigation to determine whether they were appropriate. In all cases, EMS providers are expected to deliver care within the scope of practice for their level of certification. The Department of Health’s Bureau of EMS website will always contain the most current version of the EMS protocols, the scope of practice for each level of provider, important EMS Information Bulletins, and many other helpful resources. This information can be accessed online [at](at www.health.pa.gov. The)[ ](at ww

FAQs

What is the purpose of the 2023 v1.2 statewide IALS protocols update?

It provides updated statewide IALS protocols for Pennsylvania EMS providers, including important changes and new sections such as 1101i IALS Release to BLS.

What is the requirement for transitioning to the new protocols?

EMS personnel must complete the statewide protocol updates and begin functioning under the new protocols no later than the March 31 deadline, after completing required training.

How should EMS agencies coordinate IALS dispatch so appropriate ALS resources are still sent?

Agencies and regions should work with county PSAPs and dispatch centers to ensure IALS expansion does not prevent ALS agencies from being dispatched when clinically appropriate, including coordinating with local ALS agencies for best patient care.

Sep 23, 2026

Uploaded by Quinn Holloway