Intermediate Life Support

Intermediate Life Support (ILS) refers to a set of medical procedures and techniques that are more advanced than Basic Life Support (BLS) but not as comprehensive or invasive as Advanced Life Support (ALS). ILS is typically provided by healthcare professionals, including paramedics, nurses, and in some cases, highly trained emergency medical technicians (EMTs). The primary goal of ILS is to stabilize patients who are experiencing medical emergencies until they can receive full medical care at a hospital.

Overview

Intermediate Life Support encompasses a variety of medical interventions that go beyond the scope of Basic Life Support. While BLS focuses on maintaining a patient's airway, breathing, and circulation without the use of equipment, ILS involves the use of limited equipment and medications to manage a patient's condition. Key components of ILS include the administration of supplemental oxygen, monitoring of vital signs, application of splints to stabilize fractures, and the use of certain medications under the guidance of medical protocols or direct medical oversight.

Key Skills and Interventions

• Airway Management: Unlike BLS, which involves manual maneuvers to open the airway, ILS may include the use of airway adjuncts such as oropharyngeal or nasopharyngeal airways to keep the airway open.
• Oxygen Therapy: The administration of supplemental oxygen to improve patient oxygenation is a cornerstone of ILS. This can involve the use of various delivery systems, from simple nasal cannulas to more complex devices like non-rebreather masks.
• Cardiac Monitoring: Basic cardiac rhythm monitoring and interpretation fall under ILS, allowing for the early detection of life-threatening cardiac conditions.
• Intravenous (IV) Therapy: The initiation of IV lines for fluid and medication administration is a critical ILS skill, enabling the treatment of dehydration, shock, and delivery of specific medications.
• Pharmacological Interventions: ILS providers may administer a limited range of medications as authorized by local protocols or medical direction. These can include drugs for pain management, cardiac conditions, allergic reactions, and asthma.

Training and Certification

The specific training and certification requirements for Intermediate Life Support vary by region and country. Generally, ILS training includes both theoretical and practical components, covering anatomy, physiology, medical assessment, and the use of ILS equipment and procedures. Certification typically involves completing a recognized ILS course and passing both written and practical examinations.

Application

Intermediate Life Support services are utilized in a variety of settings, including pre-hospital emergency care, during transport of critically ill patients, and in remote or resource-limited environments where advanced medical care may not be immediately available. ILS providers bridge the gap between BLS and ALS, offering a critical level of support that can significantly impact patient outcomes.

See Also

• Emergency medical services
• Cardiopulmonary resuscitation
• Trauma care
• Pre-hospital care