Our Commitment to Excellence: CAAS Accreditation

West Des Moines EMS is proud to be accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Ambulance Services (CAAS). This is an independent group that sets the highest safety and care standards for the ambulance industry.

What is the "Gold Standard"?

Being CAAS accredited means we have met the "gold standard" for emergency medical services. These requirements are much stricter than standard local or state laws. By meeting these goals, we provide:

  • Higher Quality Care: Better medical outcomes for our patients.
  • Increased Efficiency: Smarter use of city resources and equipment.
  • Reduced Risk: Improved safety procedures that protect both our patients and our staff.
Gold and blue CAAS Accreditation seal, representing excellence in ambulance services since 2001

A Rigorous Review Process

Staying accredited is a continuous process. Every three years, we undergo a two-part review to prove we still meet these high standards:

  1. Self-Assessment: We complete a detailed internal report of our own operations.
  2. Expert Inspection: An outside team of specialists visits our facilities to verify that we are following all required safety and medical rules.

National Recognition

There are over 160 accredited ambulance services across the country. West Des Moines EMS (IA EMS Alliance) has maintained this honor since 2001. We are currently one of only three accredited services in the entire state of Iowa.

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