CAAS Newsletter – September 2016

Don’t Miss the Next CAAS Accrediation Seminar – November 6 – Las Vegas

This full-day seminar, held in conjunction with the AAA Annual Conference and Trade Show in Las Vegas, is the ideal forum to assist you in planning for your accreditation or re-accreditation using the CAAS Standards Version 3.0. Sarah McEntee, CAAS Executive Director, provides a detailed overview of the application process and clearly defines what can be expected throughout. This seminar will address the benefits and value of accreditation and identify ways in which you can increase operational and clinical performance, reduce risk and liability, and maximize your market potential as a result. The revised version 3.0 standards will be explained in detail as well as the paperless submission process. The interactive format provides an opportunity to share ideas and best practices and receive expert answers to important questions.

Click here for complete seminar details. Click here to register online for this seminar. Click here to download registration form.

CAAS Ground Vehicle Standard (GVS) Continues to Gain Momentum

The CAAS Ground Vehicle Standard v.1.0 document went into effect on July 1, 2016 and we have seen a growing amount of interest in the new standard from ambulance service providers, ambulance builders and state regulators. The list of organizations that recognize and support the new standard keeps growing. The following organizations support CAAS GVS:

• American Ambulance Association
• Association of Air Medical Services
• National Association of EMS Physicians
• National Association of Emergency Medical Technicians
• National EMS Management Association
• National Association of State EMS Officials

In addition, GVS registered ambulance manufacturers whose vehicles meet the V.1.0 standard are now able to label their new production units as CAAS GVS CERTIFIED.

Finally, the GVS staff has made numerous presentations to EMS groups and conferences nationwide, and additional events are scheduled through the end of the year. Please visit our GVS website at www.groundvehiclestandard.org for up-to-date information on GVS.

Recent CAAS Accreditations

In September, the CAAS Panel of Commissioners granted CAAS accreditation to three new agencies:

• American Medical Response, Kansas Operations (Kansas City, KS)
• Madison County EMS (Richmond, KY)
• Williamson County Emergency Medical Services (Georgetown, TX)

Additionally, the following three agencies were granted re-accreditation:

• Broward Sheriff’s Office Department of Fire Rescue and Emergency Services (Fort Lauderdale, FL)
• DMCare Express, Inc. (Detroit, MI)
• East Baton Rouge Parish Emergency Medical Services (Baton Rouge, LA)

Congratulations to all our initial and re-accrediting agencies for a job well done!

CAAS Panel of Commissioners Seeks New Medical Representative

At the end of 2016, the Commission on Accreditation of Ambulance Services will be replacing its medical representative on the CAAS Panel of Commissioners due to the completion of term limits. Owen T. Traynor, MD, has served expertly in this position for the past six years, and as panel chair for the past two of those years.

CAAS is now soliciting applications from qualified EMS physicians to fill the upcoming three year term, beginning in January 2017. If you know of anyone who may be interested in this position, we invite you to contact CAAS right away so that we may provide you with the necessary application and documents. Applications will be accepted now until October 10, 2016. Please contact the CAAS office at 847-657-6828 for additional information.

CAAS Standards Revisions

CAAS will soon begin the process of reviewing the current CAAS Standards (Version 3.0) per the ANSI accredited standards development process. If you are interested in learning more about the CAAS Standards revision process, please contact CAAS headquarters at 847-657-6828.

CAAS Grant Program Update

CAAS wants to thank all the agencies that submitted applications to the CAAS Grant Program. As a reminder, the Grant Program is part of an on-going effort to make accreditation more accessible and affordable to qualified agencies by offering limited grant funding toward the accreditation application fees. CAAS is actively reviewing the applications it has received and looks forward to awarding the grant in the near future.

Promote Your CAAS Accreditation Through the CAAS Website

Earlier this year, the CAAS website (www.caas.org) was completely revamped and redesigned with a modern look and responsive, mobile-friendly design. The new site is designed to illustrate the benefits of accreditation to those considering it, and to highlight agencies who have already achieved accreditation. If you are an accredited agency, please consider sharing photos of your agency in action. We only require two things: every photo must have the CAAS logo visible somewhere in the photo and the agency needs to complete a photo release form. If you would like to share one of your photos, please visit the site’s new Resource Center.
CAAS Physician Site Reviewers Needed

CAAS is currently seeking active EMS Medical Directors interested in serving as CAAS site reviewers. If you know of a physician that might be interested in becoming a site reviewer, please contact the CAAS office at 847-657-6828 for additional information and application details.

Stay Up to Date with CAAS Via Social Networking

Have you visited any of our social media networking sites yet? CAAS is active on Facebook, LinkedIn and Twitter. Check in daily for the latest updates and announcements about CAAS and our accredited agencies. Get advanced notice of upcoming seminars, events and webinar sessions. Share some of your photos and accomplishments with others, and join in on discussions related to CAAS accreditation. Visit our sites and share with others to help us grow!
Upcoming meetings for CAAS

CAAS will be attending and/or exhibiting at these upcoming meetings – please plan to stop by our exhibit booth.