Accreditation Update 2024Qmentum Accreditation is a standard of quality that reflects an organization’s commitment to meeting health care standards demonstrating a commitment to quality and safety. Accreditation Canada is an independent not-for-profit organization that sets standards for quality and safety in health care and accredits health organizations in Canada and around the world. Accreditation Canada is considered to be the premier health care safety and quality improvement accrediting body in Canada. The Accreditation process involves reviewing and assessing a health care organization such as Beaver EMS against several hundred standards for emergency medical services for compliance and completion, with a final decision being issued a few weeks later. Beaver EMS began this process in 2014, completed it again in 2015 and again in 2019. On December 3-6, 2023, Beaver EMS was re-assessed by 2023 Qmentum standards, and the decision of the Accreditation Decision Committee was Accreditation with Commendation. These standards are the basis for development of new or amended processes and procedures that would bring about improvement and excellence in how emergency medical services are provided. In completing the Qmentum Accreditation program, Beaver EMS has undergone a rigorous evaluation process. Utilizing a comprehensive assessment, two surveyors from Accreditation Canada conducted a four-day on-site survey during which they assessed this organization’s leadership, governance, clinical performance, and service against Accreditation Canada requirements for quality and safety. These requirements included national standards of excellence; required safety practices to reduce potential harm; and questionnaires to assess the work environment, patient safety culture, governance functioning, and patient experience. Results from these components were all considered in the accreditation decision, with an outcome mark of 97%. The current Accreditation certification will be in effect for another four years; until December of 2027, at which time Beaver EMS will again be evaluated and surveyed for safety and quality. The successful completion of the Accreditation process has been a collaborative effort of the duty crews (comprised of approximately 32 primary care and advanced care paramedics), the Board of Directors, and administration. All staff members contributed together to an effective team approach as standards were addressed and implemented. The following excerpt is from the executive summary received from Accreditation Canada following the survey: “One of the strengths of this organization lies in its people and the relationships they cultivate and sustain. There is clear evidence of a well-informed Board of Directors and genuine partnerships with AHS in governance. The senior leaders of this organization are trusted and respected by the staff, who express satisfaction with being well-managed and cared for. A prevalent servant leadership style is evident and nurtured by all staff members. The Board of Directors is knowledgeable and conversant in the language of EMS. The board speaks highly of senior leadership at Beaver Ambulance Society (BAS) and is well-informed, educated, and aware. Patients and families interviewed express a high level of satisfaction with the care they receive. There is evidence of a natural People-Centred Care operational practice that includes a patient family voice as well as clear advocacy for those in their care. Patients and families can access a survey from this organization’s webpage, and future planning in this area is active.” “On behalf of Beaver EMS, we are very pleased to again to have successfully completed the review by Accreditation Canada,” says Wes Baerg, Executive Director. “By achieving Accreditation with Commendation, we know that we are operating within a framework of excellence and safe quality care. We will continue to incorporate the principles of accreditation and quality improvement into our programs, policies, and practices. We have also been given suggestions and recommendations from Accreditation Canada which we intend to incorporate and implement, to further improve the service we provide”. February 13, 2024 |
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Our Mission
To provide compassionate, professional, and effective emergency medical service in our communities. We will maintain a workplace where staff are supported, and we commit to safe and innovative clinical practices.
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Is It An Emergency?
If you or someone with you has chest pain, trouble breathing, or severe bleeding, it could be life-threatening. Call 911 now.
November/2024 We are currently hiring Advanced Care and Primary Care Paramedics. We would like to hear from you if are interested in a fulltime, part-time, or casual position. Contact us at admin@beaver-ems.com or call 780-662-6352.
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