Contact:
Leni Kirkman - University Health System - 210-358-2335
Karen May - Baptist Health System - 210-297-1024
San Antonio AirLIFE Receives National Accreditation
(SAN ANTONIO - MAY 15, 2006) San Antonio AirLIFE is among an elite group of emergency transport services in the U.S. to earn re-accreditation from the Commission of Accreditation of Medical Transport Systems (CAMTS). This prestigious accreditation represents the highest standards possible for transport services.
"We are pleased and excited with the outcome of the accreditation survey. It represents a comprehensive comparison to a set of national benchmarks and standards." said Dr. Wayne Hilliard, AirLIFE President and CEO. "The three year accreditation awarded to AirLIFE speaks volumes for the quality of the staff and program."
In its 16th year of operation, AirLIFE has safely transported more than 30,000 patients to hospitals in San Antonio and throughout Texas and has been CAMTS accredited since 1997.
"The success of San Antonio AirLIFE is focused on the delivery of high quality patient care for everyone we transport, and the CAMTS certification is another example (and recognition) of the medical services delivered by our well-trained, dedicated teams of flight nurses and paramedics," said James S. Potyka, MD, FACEP, AirLIFE's medical director, and director of Emergency Services for the Baptist Health System.
Through its contract with Air Methods, AirLIFE currently operates four medically-configured helicopters - three Bell 412s and one Bell 206. Additionally, AirLIFE's fixed-wing division is maintained by Air Medical Ltd. at the New Braunfels Airport.
CAMTS is a non-profit organization dedicated to improving the quality and safety of medical transport services. The CAMTS accreditation focuses on the delivery of high quality patient care and safety in the transport environment.
The accreditation process involves an on-site survey coupled with a broad review of all facets of the operation. To maintain accreditation, a program must be in significant compliance with the CAMTS Accreditation Standards and demonstrate a high level of overall quality in service.
Similar to the strict standards and evaluation of hospitals by the Joint Commission of Accredited Healthcare Organizations, CAMTS offers transport programs a means to demonstrate high performance in the areas of quality and safety.
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