Commission on Accreditation of Medical Transport Systems

Commission on Accreditation of Medical Transport Systems (CAMTS) is an independent, non-profit organization dedicated to improving the quality and safety of medical transport services. Established in 1990, CAMTS's primary mission is to provide a comprehensive review and accreditation process for medical transport systems, ensuring that they meet a set of industry-established standards and practices that focus on quality of care and patient safety.

Overview

The Commission on Accreditation of Medical Transport Systems offers accreditation to both air and ground medical transport services. This includes fixed-wing and rotorcraft air ambulance services, critical care ground transport, and specialized neonatal/pediatric transport teams among others. The accreditation process involves a thorough review of an organization's compliance with CAMTS's standards, which cover areas such as patient care, safety measures, education, and training of the medical and flight crew, equipment standards, and communication systems.

Accreditation Process

The accreditation process by CAMTS is voluntary and involves a comprehensive evaluation that includes a self-assessment by the medical transport service, followed by an on-site review conducted by CAMTS surveyors. These surveyors are experienced medical transport professionals who assess the service's operations, including patient care, safety practices, management, and quality improvement processes. If the service meets or exceeds the established standards, accreditation is granted for a period of three years, after which the service must undergo re-evaluation to maintain its accredited status.

Standards

CAMTS's standards are developed and periodically updated with input from various stakeholders in the medical transport community, including healthcare professionals, regulatory agencies, and consumer groups. These standards are designed to address the dynamic nature of medical transport and incorporate the latest in clinical care practices, safety protocols, and technological advancements. Key areas covered by the standards include:

• Patient Care and Safety: Ensuring that medical transport services provide high-quality clinical care and adhere to rigorous safety protocols.
• Crew Education and Training: Requiring comprehensive training and continuing education for all medical and aviation personnel.
• Aircraft and Vehicle Safety: Setting standards for the maintenance and operation of transport vehicles, whether airborne or ground-based.
• Communication Systems: Ensuring reliable and effective communication systems are in place for coordination among the transport team, receiving facilities, and emergency services.
• Quality Improvement: Mandating ongoing quality improvement measures to enhance patient care and safety continually.

Impact

Accreditation by CAMTS is recognized as a mark of excellence in the medical transport industry. It assures healthcare providers, patients, and regulatory bodies that the accredited service meets the highest standards of quality and safety. For medical transport services, achieving CAMTS accreditation can lead to improved operational efficiency, enhanced staff training and morale, and a competitive advantage in the healthcare market.

See Also

• Air ambulance
• Emergency medical services
• Patient safety
• Quality improvement in healthcare