FORT WAYNE, Ind. – Dec. 23, 2024 – Parkview Flight and EMS Operations has been recognized by The International Academies of Emergency Dispatch® (IAEDTM) as a Re-Accredited Center of Excellence (ACE) for emergency flight and EMS dispatching.
Parkview Flight and EMS Operations is one of 180 accredited ACE agencies in the world and is the only accredited center in Indiana.
"When we first started working toward this accreditation eight years ago, there were several who said we would never obtain it,” said Roman Arnold, Parkview Flight and EMS supervisor. “Now, having earned our second re-accreditation, I couldn't be prouder of our communications center team and all the work and progress they have accomplished over the past six years.”
Parkview EMS & Flight Operations handles more than 50,000 requests for service each year, of which more than 21,000 are 911 calls. Parkview serves eight counties, totaling over 2,000 square miles with 19 911 ambulances, two helicopters — including a new Leonardo AW169 added this summer — four transfer ambulances, Parkview Community Paramedics and Parkview Wheelchair Transport.
"Our team of dispatchers are the link that connects people in need with the emergency responders ready to help them as quickly as possible,” added Brett Steffen, manager of Parkview's Flight and EMS Operations center. “I am extremely proud of the dedication and skill which has once again made Parkview the only center in Indiana to earn this prestigious accreditation from the IAED.”
IAED is the standard-setting organization for emergency dispatch services worldwide. Accreditation from the IAED is the highest distinction given to emergency communication centers, certifying that the center is performing at or above the established standards for the industry. Centers that earn ACE status are the embodiment of dispatch done right and have demonstrated strong local oversight, rigorous quality processes, and a commitment to data-driven continuous improvement.
IAED Accreditation is the culmination of a lengthy, arduous process that includes the completion of the 20 Points of Accreditation, a detailed evaluation of performance by industry experts, and a final review and ruling by IAED. Accreditation is valid for a three-year period, during which all standards must be upheld. Emergency communication centers can earn multiple accreditations, one for each emergency discipline they service (medical, fire, police, and emergency nurse triage).
“I am incredibly proud of our dispatch team for again meeting the standards for ACE accreditation,” said Dr. Amy Souers, medical director, Parkview Health EMS, community/ground 911 and EMS dispatch center. “This award represents an incredible commitment to excellence in quality, education, and compliance.”
More than 3,500 emergency communication centers worldwide use the medical, fire, police, and emergency nurse triage protocols developed and maintained by the IAED. The protocol-based system — known as the Priority Dispatch System — is recognized as the standard of care and practice for emergency dispatch and is used in 46 countries.
“Accreditation is truly a pinnacle achievement”, said Christof Chwojka, accreditation board chair at IAED. “We applaud the dedicated call takers, dispatchers, and leadership team at Parkview Flight and EMS Operations for their commitment to quality, and for meeting that high standard that few achieve. We know their community can count on these first responders to do an outstanding job.”