Air medical accreditation in 2023
CAMTS, EURAMI, NAAMTA Global, and Medical Transport Accreditation & Compliance consider how 2023 was for the accreditation landscape, and their plans for 2024
Eileen Frazer, Executive Director of the Commission on Accreditation of Medical Transport Systems (CAMTS)
In 2023, CAMTS and CAMTS Global awarded 45 programmes worldwide with its accreditation. This number represents both new applicants and reaccreditations and reflects the industry’s demand for an independent, holistic, and science-based international accreditation process. Over the past three years, the CAMTS experts have visited more than 2,500 rotor-wing, fixed-wing, and ground ambulance bases and headquarters to assess the level of compliance with the CAMTS standards. The accreditation decisions are all made by the board of directors.
A busy and good conference year
At the major conference events in 2023 – HAI Heli-Expo in Atlanta in March, the Air Medical Transport Conference (AMTC) in Columbus, and the International Travel & Health Insurance Conference (ITIC) in October – board members and senior representatives were on hand at the CAMTS stand to answer questions from the industry. The benefits of CAMTS accreditation were explained in more than 300 discussions. These discussions showed once again that the CAMTS standards, which are based on independent, evidence-based knowledge from medical and aeronautical societies, have a positive influence on processes within companies.
Combined with the equally proactive and demonstrably impartial accreditation process, companies can further enhance the added value of their services to patients, insurers, assistance companies, relatives and, last but not least, their own employees. This is what makes them successful in the long term.
In February 2023, CAMTS hosted an online workshop, ‘Are You Ready?’, which was well attended by over 200 participants. The ‘Preparing for Accreditation’ workshop at AMTC provided interested and long-standing accredited companies with insights and background information for successful accreditation.
In addition, several of the conferences and exhibits in 2023 were for mobile integrated health (MIH) organisations, e.g. the EMS World Expo in September. Accreditation standards for MIH were published by CAMTS in 2023 and there is great interest in this rapidly expanding part of healthcare, especially in the US.
Accreditation Standards Committee – working together to improve medical transport
CAMTS standards are revised at least every two years to keep current with practices and changes in transport and out-of-hospital care. This is also in accordance with the Essential Requirements of the American National Standards Institute (ANSI), which include ensuring a balanced standards committee, honest and fair review of suggestions, and feedback to those submitting comments. To ensure balance, voting members on the Standards Committee are selected to avoid over-representation from the same organisation, association, or discipline. To allow for open discussion, the committees also include interested non-voting members.
In January, CAMTS reconvened the Accreditation Standards Committee to begin the process of revising standards that were published in 2022 and 2023. The industry is invited to comment on each posting. Drafts were updated and posted after each committee meeting on the websites camts.org and camtsglobal.org.
Claudia Schmiedhuber, Managing Director of the European Aero-Medical Institute (EURAMI)
The year 2023 proved to be both busy and successful for EURAMI, boasting over 16 successful reaccreditations, two primary accreditations, and numerous new base audits.
The EURAMI board and management, in collaboration with the EURAMI Commercial Airline Medical Escort (CAME) Committee, dedicated significant efforts to develop the EURAMI CAME Standards Version 2.0. This milestone was launched at the 38th General Assembly during ITIC Global in Barcelona, Spain.
Another highlight of the year was the inaugural EURAMI Conference on 4 November 2023, at the W Hotel. The day-long event featured interactive discussions across four sessions, hosting outstanding speakers and moderators. The collaborative atmosphere during the event served as a testament to the common goal and spirit within the EURAMI family.
The year 2023 proved to be both busy and successful
In a notable development, the EURAMI Corporate Membership has gained momentum, providing a platform for insurance, assistance, and related companies to collaborate closely on aeromedical topics alongside their service providers. This inclusive approach fosters greater synergy within the air medical transport industry. Excitingly, two new members joined the EURAMI Corporate Membership in 2023, further enriching the association’s network and expanding collaborative opportunities within the global aeromedical community.
Throughout 2023, EURAMI updated several regulatory documents, including application and registration forms, with ongoing efforts to further streamline and optimise procedures in the coming months. I was present at nine industry conferences worldwide, and continued to actively raise awareness about accreditation among payers, and represented the EURAMI membership globally.
As we enter 2024, the EURAMI board and office eagerly anticipate a year filled with growth, innovation, and impactful changes. With over 14 reaccreditation audits on the horizon and more than seven providers currently in the registration process, 2024 is poised to be another busy chapter.
A major development includes a comprehensive overhaul of the EURAMI statutes, alongside updates to the terms and conditions and board bylaws, highlighting EURAMI’s commitment to maintaining the highest standards in alignment with the evolving industry landscape.
In the auditor realm, EURAMI is gearing up for a proactive year of training for new auditors, incorporating practical shadow audits to ensure competence and deepen understanding of accreditation processes.
Anticipating technological advancements, EURAMI is developing internal audit software to streamline procedures, introducing features such as document uploads by providers. This innovation aims to enhance efficiency and accessibility, demonstrating EURAMI’s commitment to staying at the forefront of industry standards.
In a bid for transparency and accountability, EURAMI will establish an Ethics Committee to guide the association on complex ethical issues and foster a culture of integrity within its membership.
Mark your calendars for the second EURAMI Conference on 9 November 2024, in Vienna, Austria. The full-day event will once again feature industry-related sessions with global expert speakers addressing the most current topics of the year. Additionally, the 39th General Assembly is scheduled for Sunday 10 November, during which EURAMI will host a breakfast for its members, providing updates on the latest developments. As 2024 represents an election year, members will have the opportunity to elect new board members and appoint a new president and vice president.
In response to the success of existing standards for Fixed Wing and CAME, EURAMI is forming a member committee to work on the Rotary Wing 6.0. Standards, ensuring continued adaptation to the dynamic needs of air medical transport.
I will persist in representing EURAMI on the international stage, advocating for the association at conferences among aeromedical peers and payers, as well as staying involved with international associations such as the Travel Health Insurance Association (THIA) and the US Travel Insurance Association (UStiA) through being a member of the Communications Committee.
The EURAMI board and office is looking forward to the upcoming projects this year holds and to meet up with members, industry peers and interested providers worldwide throughout 2024.
Jessica Peltz, Owner of Medical Transport Accreditation & Compliance
The accreditation space was very busy in 2023. Medical Transport Accreditation & Compliance worked with a variety of transport programmes and capacities, all tailored to their specific needs.
Education requirement changes
A major change to the CAMTS standards brings a focus to transport nurses. Affecting approximately 200 medical transport programmes, nurses are now required to hold specialty certifications in the transport field. Ground transport programmes are now required to have the Certified Transport Registered Nurse certification (CTRN) and flight programmes are now required to have the Certified Flight Registered Nurse certification (CFRN). CAMTS will continue to accept non-transport-related specialty certifications such as Certified Emergency Nurse (CEN) or CCRN until 1 January 2025. This change has required a shift in not only initial and ongoing training programmes, but for hiring as well.
New programme startups
This past year, we were fortunate to work with startup programmes to establish a baseline of clinical and operation procedures, by utilising accreditation standards. Once established and in place, we provided advice and insight on business development. This is often a key aspect to working with a client as they seek not only industry trends and practices, but desire assistance in completing Requests for Information and similar. We will continue to provide ongoing support well into 2024. When ready, these programmes will be compliant and ready for accreditation.
Established programme expansion
Not only were we fortunate enough to work with new companies, but we had the honour of working with a well-established critical care transport programme. This programme expanded its scope of practice and is now successfully transporting patients with this new mode of transport. Working directly with the logistics and medical departments, we will provide ongoing support until they are fully independent.
With geographic service area growth, the planned addition of medium- to long-range aircraft, and accreditation plans for 2024, this programme is on its way to saving lives around the world.
Complex programme accreditation
One of our more challenging projects of 2023 was working with a programme providing services Outside Continental United States (OCONUS). Preparing for advanced medical rescue operations in austere environments requires an all-hands-on-deck approach. With careful planning and thoughtful implementation, the team is sure to set the standard for this complex accreditation project. We will continue to work with this organisation until their audit date is confirmed.
Global assistance auditing
Although not accreditation specific, we ended 2023 by becoming an approved auditor for one of the world’s largest and most comprehensive road and travel assistance programmes. We will be working with their air ambulance programme partners to ensure the high-quality standards are being met. Through this process, the internal audit requirements will be reviewed and recommendations may be implemented to enhance the already rigorous requirements.
We will be busy well into 2024 providing guidance to our current clients and are looking forward to working with new medical transport programmes in 2024.
Amy Arndt, Operations Director, and Roylen Griffin, Executive Director at the National Accreditation Alliance of Medical Transport Applications (NAAMTA) Global
As the year 2023 drew to a close, NAAMTA Global witnessed a surge in accomplishments and advancements within the medical transport sector. With a focus on elevating industry standards, the NAAMTA alliance celebrated successful reaccreditations, welcomed new programmes, and embraced technological innovations.
Reaccreditations and programme expansion
The year marked a bustling period as NAAMTA alliance members achieved successful reaccreditations for both medical transport and medical escort services. This demonstrated the commitment of operators to maintaining the highest standards in the industry. Additionally, the NAAMTA family expanded with the accreditation of new programmes, adding over 25 bases.
ISO 9001:2015 compliance and company feedback
Underlining its dedication to excellence, NAAMTA maintains its ISO 9001:2015 compliance measures through monitoring, measuring and analysing processes, in addition to its successful audit by PRI Registrar for ISO 9001 registration. The implementation of customer feedback echoed the sentiment that NAAMTA standards surpass basic regulatory requirements, providing a higher level of output. One participant commended the process as “very thorough and well designed to challenge”.
Digital evolution: NEAT cloud portal
Embracing technological advancements, NAAMTA initiated beta testing for the NAAMTA Evaluation and Application Tool (NEAT) cloud portal. Despite some initial challenges, the outcome was overwhelmingly positive. The move to an online platform promises increased functionality, streamlining the accreditation process for all stakeholders.
Helicopter hoisting accreditations: setting new heights
NAAMTA Global Helicopter Hoist and Hoist Medical Transport accreditation requests are growing. This year, we congratulated CHI Aviation for achieving the historic milestone of becoming the first hoisting company accredited by NAAMTA for Helicopter Hoist operations. This accreditation is a testament to CHI Aviation’s commitment to maintaining high standards in various aspects of their operations.
Our two-phase auditing process, consisting of the administrative audit and the site audit, demonstrates NAAMTA’s thorough approach to ensuring compliance with industry standards.
The administrative audit involves a comprehensive review of the organisation’s business documentation, covering areas such as policies, procedures, medical protocols, quality and safety management, risk mitigation, reporting, and lessons learned. Additionally, the audit assesses employee licences, certifications, training, and skills management records
The site audit is conducted after reviewing the administrative audit report. Auditors visit the organisation’s site to observe operational areas, interview personnel, and evaluate demonstrations to verify compliance with the documented policies. In the case of CHI Aviation, an additional auditor with helicopter hoist expertise was included in the process, focusing specifically on hoisting operations.
The positive findings of the audit highlight CHI Aviation’s exemplary documentation, seamless equipment management, and adherence to standard criteria in hoist training. This accreditation not only recognises CHI Aviation’s achievements but also sets a standard for other hoist and hoist medical transport companies in the industry to aspire to.
This accomplishment reinforces the importance of stringent accreditation processes in ensuring the highest levels of safety, quality, and compliance within the aviation industry, particularly in specialised operations like helicopter hoist and hoist medical transport.
Innovative response to industry needs: Rapid Response Mobile Medical accreditation
Identifying the evolving needs of air ambulance operators for government contract fulfilment, NAAMTA Global introduced the groundbreaking Rapid Response Mobile Medical (RRMM) accreditation. This pioneering programme focuses on specific criteria for short-term medical teams responding to infectious disease incidents, disaster response, and short-term clinic needs, even in remote, austere locations.
What to expect in 2024: a year of promise and expansion
As NAAMTA Global looks ahead to 2024, the organisation anticipates building upon the successes of the previous year. The foundation laid in 2023 sets the stage for continued growth, with an increasing customer base and collaboration with outstanding professionals in the medical transport, medical escort, hoist, and hoist medical transport sectors.
Conclusion: a journey toward excellence continues
The strides made by NAAMTA Global in 2023 reflect a collective commitment to excellence. As the organisation gears up for 2024, we can expect further advancements, innovative solutions, and a continued dedication to elevating standards in these vital fields.
Here’s to another year of progress, collaboration, and excellence in medical transport!