EMSA, Oklahoma’s largest provider of pre-hospital emergency medical care, has achieved national accreditation from the Commission on Accreditation of Ambulance Services (CAAS) with a perfect score. This accomplishment places EMSA among the top 1% of emergency medical services in the United States, as only a small number of agencies reach this level of distinction.
Significance of CAAS Accreditation
The CAAS accreditation is recognized as the gold standard in the industry. It follows a thorough evaluation process that reviews over 300 standards, including administration, safety, dispatch operations, clinical protocols, and continuing education. This rigorous assessment emphasizes the commitment of accredited agencies to maintain high levels of patient care and operational excellence.
“Earning CAAS accreditation is an incredible achievement, reflecting the skill, professionalism, and dedication of our entire organization,” stated Johna Easley, EMSA president and CEO. “A perfect score demonstrates our unwavering commitment to setting the highest standards in patient care, quality, and continuous improvement across every aspect of our service.”
Currently, only two ambulance services in Oklahoma hold CAAS accreditation, while 215 agencies nationwide meet the commission’s standards. EMSA’s perfect score distinguishes it even further, reinforcing its leadership in the field.
Community Trust and Operational Excellence
“CAAS accreditation is the most respected benchmark in the EMS industry,” remarked Tammy Powell, chairperson of the EMSA Board of Trustees and president of St. Anthony Hospital. “Earning a top score in such a rigorous independent evaluation of all areas of EMSA’s operation reinforces that our communities can trust they are receiving excellent EMS care every time EMSA responds.”
EMSA has maintained its CAAS accreditation since 2010 and is required to undergo reaccreditation every three years. This ongoing commitment to excellence ensures that EMSA continues to meet the evolving needs of the communities it serves, providing high-quality emergency medical services with each response.
The recognition not only highlights EMSA’s operational standards but also assures the public of the quality care they can expect in emergencies. The organization’s dedication to continuous improvement and adherence to best practices sets a benchmark for others in the field.
