Alachua County Fire Rescue (ACFR) is proud to announce it has been awarded national accreditation by the Commission on Accreditation of Ambulance Services (CAAS), recognizing the department’s commitment to excellence in emergency medical services, patient care and operational performance.
The commission is an independent, nonprofit organization that sets national standards for ambulance services. Accreditation is voluntary and requires agencies to undergo a comprehensive review of clinical care, leadership, safety practices, quality improvement and community involvement.
“This accreditation affirms our commitment to public safety and to providing high-quality, patient-centered emergency medical care,” Fire Chief Harold Theus said. “It reflects the professionalism of our paramedics, emergency medical technicians and support staff, as well as our focus on accountability, transparency and continuous improvement.”
As part of the accreditation process, ACFR completed an extensive and detailed self-assessment, documentation review and on-site evaluation to verify compliance with nationally recognized best practices. The accreditation also confirms that ACFR meets or exceeds industry standards in areas including patient safety, clinical outcomes, workforce training, equipment readiness, and organizational governance.
The accreditation places ACFR among a select group of agencies nationwide that have demonstrated excellence beyond minimum regulatory requirements. The designation also supports continuous performance improvement and consistency in emergency medical services.
“This achievement reflects years of work, and a culture focused on quality and service,” Theus said. “We appreciate the support of the Alachua County Commission and the community we serve.”
The accreditation is valid for three years. During that time, the department must maintain compliance and continue to demonstrate quality improvement.
For more information about Alachua County Fire Rescue and its emergency medical services, visit Alachua County Fire Rescue or call 352-384-3101.
