When entrusting the safety and well being of your loved one with an air ambulance company, it is important that you select a company that is operating with the highest level of standards across both patient care and safety. One way to ensure an air ambulance provider upholds a high level of standards is to choose a company that is backed by the accreditation of leading industry accrediting organizations. When it comes to air ambulance accreditation, there are two organizations worldwide that set the industry standards for patient care and safety; The Commission on Accreditation of Medical Transport Systems, also known as CAMTS, and The European Aeromedical Institute, also known as EURAMI.
AirCARE1 is proud to be one of only two air ambulance companies in the entire Western Hemisphere to have dual accreditation from both CAMTS and EURAMI. Dual accreditation is a rarity in the air ambulance industry and demonstrates AirCARE1’s commitment to the highest standards of care.
Not All Accreditations Are Created Equal
When it comes to air ambulance accreditations, it is important to note that not all accreditations are created equal. Every accrediting organization will have a different set of standards for accreditation and naturally some will have more robust and strict standards than others. When you see air ambulance providers tout various accreditations, it is important that you check the specific accreditations and ensure the accreditations are from reputable accrediting organizations.
Each accrediting organization will also have a different process for the renewal of their accreditation. You want to look for accreditations that require actual onsite inspections of the air ambulance provider’s operations, facilities, aircraft and personnel. Without in-person inspections of these areas, it is impossible for the accrediting organization to ensure the provider is upholding the highest level of patient care and safety standards.
It is also important to look for accrediting organizations that require these on-site inspections to occur on a regular cadence, typically every 3 years. This ensures the medevac provider is truly upholding the outlined set of accreditation requirements and does not simply pass an inspection once.
Understanding the CAMTS Accreditation
The Commission on Accreditation of Medical Transport Systems, or CAMTS, is an independent, non-profit agency based in the United States, which audits and accredits fixed-wing medical transport services worldwide to a set of industry-established criteria. These established standards are central to the CAMTS program in which they outline the highest two priorities for medical transportation service companies as “patient care and safety of the transport environment.” Preparation for the accreditation process typically takes between four to six months as it examines all aspects of an air ambulance company including operational management, medical protocols and flight operations. Accreditation, once granted, is valid for 3 years which can then be renewed through a re-audit.
Understanding the EURAMI Accreditation
The European Aeromedical Institute, or EURAMI, is another leading accrediting organization based out of Germany. EURAMI’s mission is to promote high-quality aeromedical transfers throughout the world via fixed-wing aircraft. They focus specifically on the promotion of research, training and accreditation in the field of aeromedical transfers. EURAMI accreditation follows a set of guidelines that require air ambulance companies to provide safe, ethical and high-quality healthcare and transportation practices. Accreditation, once granted, is also valid for 3 years which can then also be renewed through a rigorous re-audit process.
Our Commitment to Maintaining Dual Accreditation
AirCARE1 is committed to maintaining our CAMTS and EURAMI Accreditations. Both of these leading accrediting organizations require an in-depth renewal process every three years to ensure we continue to uphold their strict standards of safety and patient care.
When researching air ambulance providers, make sure that the provider you choose has maintained and holds current accreditations from these reputable organizations. As we have discussed, the renewal process for these leading accreditations is rigorous and requires a large commitment by the provider. By ensuring that your medical transportation company has up to date accreditations, you can be sure that the company has continued to uphold the highest level of patient care and safety standards.
We always recommend that you check with the accrediting organization to ensure the provider you choose has up to date accreditations and that they haven’t expired. Most accrediting organizations will list their active providers on their website. If they don’t have a list on their website, don’t hesitate to call or email the accrediting organization to verify that the provider in question is up to date.
For verification of accreditation for the two leading air ambulance accreditors, you may visit their sites below:
Want to learn more about these accreditations and understand the various processes and procedures we have in place at AirCARE1 to meet or exceed their strict set of patient care and safety standards? Feel free to call our team of flight specialists at 877.760.7760 (or 505.242.7760 internationally) and we would be happy to discuss with you in further detail.
