LifeNet, Inc. has earned its accreditation from the Commission on Accreditation of Ambulance Services (CAAS) for the fifth time since first becoming accredited in 2000.
“Receiving accreditation is one of the highest honors an EMS agency can earn, and we are elated to start off 2019 celebrating our 19th year being accredited,” said David Baumgardner, CEO of LifeNet. “The voluntary accreditation process requires the completion of a comprehensive application and on-site review by national experts in emergency medical services.”
To receive accreditation renewal, LifeNet had to meet over 100 standards set by CAAS covering structure, interagency relations, management, finance, community relations and public affairs, human resources, clinical standards, safety and risk management, equipment and facilities, and communication centers.
“CAAS Accreditation is the ‘gold standard’ for EMS. There are over 15,000 ambulance services in the United States, and of those, less than 200 are CAAS Accredited,” Baumgardner said.
After reviewing a comprehensive application that covered LifeNet’s policies, procedures, and protocols, CAAS inspectors visited LifeNet’s three divisions in November and conducted a detailed two-day inspection. The visit included checking facilities, reviewing procedures and protocols, and interviewing personnel. This was the fifth time since 2000 that inspectors have done in-depth on-site reviews of LifeNet EMS.
While accreditation is not required to run a ground ambulance service, LifeNet, Inc. is committed to excellence and putting the patient first. By undergoing recertification every three years, LifeNet ensures they are providing the best EMS service possible in each service area.
“CAAS helps up look closely at our procedures and processes and provides a framework for accountability. Over the years, the standards have helped us build a quality improvement program and educational program that we believe is one of the best in the nation,” Baumgardner said. “We would not be able to keep our accreditation without the teamwork and commitment each of our employees makes daily to ensure the patient always comes first.”
Headquartered in Texarkana, Texas, LifeNet EMS is a nonprofit ambulance service provider that responds to more than 61,000 calls each year throughout its service areas in Texas, Arkansas, and Oklahoma. Additionally, LifeNet teaches educational classes for both medical professionals and the community, and provides medical standby or community support at more than 300 events each year.