County’s ambulance service delivery awarded exemplary national standing

Ambulance service provided by Strathcona County has achieved a score of over 99 per cent from an independent third-party national accreditation assessment.

“Even during the pandemic, Strathcona County Emergency Services continued to deliver quality and safe patient care and service to our community and we are very proud of their accomplishment,” says Mayor Rod Frank. “Our emergency services team and firefighters are second to none.”

This is the second time Strathcona County has undergone the ambulance accreditation process. In 2018, the County achieved a commendable score of 96 per cent. Organizations that provide ambulance service under Alberta Health Services are required to complete the accreditation and re-qualify every four years.

“Receiving accreditation with exemplary standing is an incredible accomplishment. Our staff work hard and are committed to providing the highest level of patient care possible. Being recognized by Accreditation Canada with such a high standing demonstrates our passion for exceptional patient care,” says Fire Chief Martin Paulson.

The accreditation process, administered by Accreditation Canada, provides an independent assessment of the standards and procedures used in the County’s ambulance service and evaluates them against national standards. The assessment focuses on quality and evaluates leadership, infrastructure, service delivery, patient care and patient safety. Accreditation with Exemplary Standing was awarded to the County for going beyond the requirements of the accreditation program and demonstrates excellence in quality improvement.

 The findings noted:

• very high caliber and clinically proficient paramedics with a high level of focus on patient care
• community partners rated the department very high on service quality and delivery and the willingness of practitioners to show compassion and care to the most vulnerable and marginalized in the community

Strathcona County Emergency Services includes over 150 professionals who are cross-trained as paramedics and firefighters. Accreditation Canada is an independent, non-profit Canadian organization. Over the past 55 years, they have set national standards and shared leading practices to support the continual improvement of quality healthcare.

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Contact: Strathcona County Communications, 780-410-6595