Division of ALS Operations:

Shane Zook
Director of ALS Operations

The Division of ALS operates six full time paramedic units that are on duty 24 hours per day 365 days per year. These units are strategically placed throughout the county in order to ensure a rapid response in the event of a medical emergency. Our ALS staff operate on a 24 hours on, 48 hours off shift rotation with a roaming Paramedic supervisor available at all times. ALS units are always staffed with a paramedic and a full supply of advanced medical equipment. Advanced Life Support units are capable of performing a wide variety of medical procedures "in the field" as to provide the best patient outcome possible. Some of these procedures include: EKG monitoring, 12-Lead EKG interpretation, endotracheal intubation, manual defibrillation / cardioversion, CPAP, advanced medication administration, needle chest decompression, and the establishment of intraosseous access. All advanced life support providers in Anderson County follow protocols set forth by our Clinical Operating Guidelines in conjunction with American Heart Association Protocols. We are also fortunate to have an aeromedical helicopter operated by University of Tennessee Lifestar based within our county. Lifestar is based out of Andersonville and can be activated by any credentialed provider within our system. In addition, Anderson County Emergency Medical Services maintains an active first responder program with area fire departments. This means when certain medical emergencies are reported, fire department first responders are dispatched simulltaneously with EMS units. Many times, these first responders are volunteer personnel that live within your own community and will arrive on scene prior to the ambulance.