Eileen Frazer, former Executive Director of the Commission on Accreditation of Medical Transport Systems (CAMTS) and CAMTS Global Founder, tells us about a busy 2024, and what’s coming up in the year ahead 

Last year was a busy year for site surveyors, who completed 62 site visits in North America and around the world, and for board members, who accredited 56 medical transport services and one mobile integrated health (MIH). MIH is known as community paramedicine in some areas. MIH standards were completed and approved in 2023, and Atrium Health Mobile Integrated Health in Charlotte, North Carolina, was the first MIH service to be accredited by CAMTS.

The CAMTS staff have also been busy exhibiting and presenting at five conferences in the US, at ITIC APAC in June in Bangkok, and at ITIC Global in November in Vienna

The CAMTS staff have also been busy exhibiting and presenting at five conferences in the US, at ITIC APAC in June in Bangkok, and at ITIC Global in November in Vienna. In addition, myself, Dr Becker, and Dr Damrongsak provided a four-hour workshop entitled ‘Preparing for Accreditation’ to over 80 attendees. We also toured the EMS Simulation Center at the Bangkok Hospital Headquarters and met with Thailand’s National Institute for Emergency Medicine.

Four senior board members honoured for their years of service and four new board members announced

In November 2024, Dr Richard Orr was honoured as the longest-serving board member, representing the American Academy of Pediatrics since 1991. Dr Orr served as Chair of the Board since 2020 and also served as past Vice-Chair and Chair of the Ad Hoc Ethics Committee for many years.  

Dr Michael Brunko, representing the Air Medical Physician Association (AMPA) for the past 10 years, introduced AMPA’s new representative: Dr PS Martin. Dr Martin is currently the Director of the Division of Prehospital Medicine at the West Virginia University School of Medicine and also the State Medical Director for the West Virginia Deptartment of Health. 

Patti Corbett RN represented the Air & Surface Transport Nurses Association (ASTNA) for the past six years on the board of directors and will continue as a CAMTS Site Surveyor after her retirement from the board. Patti introduced ASTNA’s new representative: Casey Seckel RN. Casey is currently the Chief Clinical Officer for Life Flight Network in Boise, Idaho, and has many years of experience as a civilian and military flight nurse. 

Terry Palmer, well known in the rotor-wing population, was a CAMTS Aviation Adviser who retired after 15 years of service. Michael Benton was introduced as the new Aviation Adviser for the CAMTS board of directors. Michael Benton is the Founder and President of VyClimb Consulting, a boutique consultancy providing management, strategy, operations, and safety services to a global list of clients centred around the aviation and air medical transport industries since 2015.

Dr Richard Orr was honoured as the longest-serving board member, representing the American Academy of Pediatrics since 1991

In November, the board welcomed a new United States Transportation Command (US Transcom) Liaison Officer: Christopher E Backus, Col, USAF, MC, SFS, Director of Global Patient Movement Operations and Command Surgeon at US Transcom.

New leadership 

I retired on 1 January 2025. I have devoted 35 years to creating and developing CAMTS since its inception, and wrote the feasibility study in 1988 that led to the development of CAMTS. In 2015, myself and Dr Stefan Becker registered CAMTS Global in Zurich, Switzerland, to serve medical transport services outside of North America. Dr Becker is currently President of CAMTS Global.  

During 2024, the board considered many highly qualified candidates and hired Jan Eichel MBA, RN, CFRN, FAASTN to assume the role of Executive Director on 1 January 2025. Eichel has served the role of Associate Executive Director – Clinical since 2017 and is extremely knowledgeable of the processes and procedures of CAMTS. I will work closely with the board and Ms Eichel to ensure a seamless transition, and look forward to a happy and successful 2025 for CAMTS and CAMTS Global.

Eva Kluge, Managing Director of EURAMI, on 2024’s achievements, and plans for 2025

The European Aero-Medical Institute (EURAMI) had a transformative year in 2024, marked by significant achievements and forward momentum. As we reflect on the milestones of the past year and look ahead to 2025, it is clear that EURAMI remains steadfast in its mission to ensure the highest standards for aeromedical patient safety worldwide.

Fostering aeromedical excellence through global accreditation

In 2024, EURAMI celebrated a remarkable milestone with the approval of 19 re-accreditations and primary accreditations spanning over a dozen countries. This achievement underscores the dedication and growth of the global aeromedical community while solidifying EURAMI’s role as a leader in establishing and upholding the highest standards in air medical services. Looking ahead to 2025, the institute has scheduled more than 32 audits across five continents, setting the stage for another impactful and ambitious year.

A major advancement in 2024 was the launch of the EURAMI Assessment Application, a cloud-based platform that has revolutionised the accreditation process. By streamlining document submissions and enhancing communication between auditees and auditors, the platform has greatly improved efficiency and user satisfaction. Building on this success, EURAMI has outlined plans to expand the platform’s capabilities over the next two years. These enhancements will include advanced CRM functionalities, improved document management systems, and enhanced data analytics. These updates aim to better serve members and stakeholders while reinforcing EURAMI’s ongoing commitment to innovation, efficiency, and excellence in the aeromedical industry.

EURAMI remains steadfast in its mission to ensure the highest standards for aeromedical patient safety worldwide

Challenges and resilience

While 2024 was marked by progress, it was not without its challenges. Rising operational costs, geopolitical tensions, a shortage of skilled staff, and regulatory complexities tested the resilience of EURAMI’s members. In response, EURAMI provided advocacy, resources, and guidance to support its members in navigating these obstacles.

Global footprint and collaboration

Collaboration continued to be a central theme in EURAMI’s 2024 agenda. Building on its role in United Nations tender requirements, EURAMI had the honour of presenting its standards at the European Defence Agency (EDA) in Brussels in September 2024. This milestone reflects EURAMI’s growing influence in shaping harmonised global standards. Recognition by supranational bodies ensures that best practices are shared across borders, enhancing safety and quality in air medical services worldwide.

The EURAMI Conference: a vital hub for education, innovation, and collaboration

The second EURAMI Aeromedical Conference, held on 9 November in Vienna, proved to be a resounding success. This eagerly anticipated event brought together over 80 attendees from 40 companies across 25 countries, creating a vibrant forum for knowledge exchange and collaboration. Featuring 15 distinguished speakers and five skilled moderators, the conference presented five focused sessions addressing critical issues in the aeromedical field. These discussions fostered cross-disciplinary collaboration, contributing to the harmonisation of global standards and the enhancement of practices across regions.

Beyond delivering valuable insights, the conference reinforced the aeromedical community’s collective commitment to maintaining excellence and resilience. It provided a platform for sharing best practices, fostering innovation, and strengthening relationships within this vital industry. The event set a strong foundation for future collaboration and progress, ensuring that EURAMI remains a driving force in advancing aeromedical excellence.

Post-conference feedback from members underscored the importance of EURAMI’s role as an advocate for aeromedical excellence and safety. Attendees encouraged the organisation to continue prioritising cross-industry collaboration and education, ensuring the industry remains adaptive and united in the face of evolving challenges.

Plans for 2025

Looking ahead, EURAMI has ambitious plans for 2025, with a strong focus on the sustainable development of the organisation. A key initiative will be a two-day strategy retreat in Miami in March, where the EURAMI board will refine the Institute’s mid- and long-term strategy. This effort underscores the organisation’s unwavering commitment to quality care and patient safety.

Digital transformation will play a pivotal role in EURAMI’s plans, with an emphasis on customer-centric solutions and streamlined operational processes. Financial sustainability will also be addressed through optimised revenue cycles and expanded service offerings, ensuring the organisation’s long-term growth and impact. Another important objective for 2025 is to enhance knowledge sharing through training, best practices, and research. Additionally, targeted efforts will focus on underserved regions, with the goal of making high-quality air medical services accessible to all who need them.

The achievements of 2024 have laid a robust foundation for future growth, and EURAMI’s strategic plans for 2025 reflect its continued dedication to innovation, collaboration, and the highest standards of care. By remaining true to its mission, EURAMI is well positioned to guide the aeromedical industry into a new era of excellence and sustainability.

National Accreditation Alliance of Medical Transport 
Applications (NAAMTA Global)

Amy C Arndt, Operations Director at NAAMTA Global, reflects on success and achieving full accreditation in 2024

A year of milestones and a commitment to excellence 

As we usher in a new year, it’s essential to reflect on the triumphs of the past 12 months, a period marked by dedication, innovation, and relentless pursuit of excellence within the air ambulance sector. In 2024, our dedication to meeting customer needs guided our efforts to collaborate closely with them, ensuring that each of our programmes not only pursued but successfully achieved accreditation within our stringent company guidelines.

NAAMTA accreditations offered

NAAMTA offers the following accreditations: Medical Escort, Medical Transport, Helicopter Hoist Medical Transport, and Rapid Response Mobile Medical. Each accreditation is tailored to specific operational needs, ensuring a comprehensive evaluation and certification process that upholds the highest standards of safety and quality in medical transport.

Commitment to high standards

The journey to accreditation is rigorous and detailed, involving multiple steps that scrutinise every aspect of an operation, from safety protocols and medical procedures to staff qualifications and equipment standards. Our adherence to these stringent criteria underscores our unwavering commitment to providing the highest quality of care.

Rigorous evaluation and continuous improvement

Our success in 2024 was not incidental but the result of a systematic approach to continuous improvement. The process began with a comprehensive registration phase where each programme demonstrated its initial eligibility by documenting its adherence to pre-defined requirements. This step was followed by the completion of the NAAMTA Evaluation and Application Tool – a cornerstone assessment that sets the groundwork for in-depth evaluation.

The journey to accreditation is rigorous and detailed, involving multiple steps that scrutinise every aspect of an operation

Post-application, each programme underwent a meticulous documentation audit, offering feedback that became pivotal for immediate improvements. Site audits were conducted to ensure that operational practices matched the documented policies, with subsequent feedback helping to refine processes further.

The accreditation report compiled at the end of this evaluation phase outlined both our strengths and areas for improvement, facilitating the implementation of necessary corrective actions. This report was not merely a formality but a blueprint for ongoing excellence and safety in our operations.
 

Beyond accreditation: a commitment to community and innovation

Accreditation is more than a badge of honour; it’s a continuous commitment. Throughout the past year, we didn’t just aim to meet standards; we sought to raise the bar. Our programmes are designed not only to achieve compliance but to lead the way in innovative practices that enhance patient care and safety.

Looking ahead: future goals

As we celebrate our successes, we also set our sights on new goals. The future holds promises of further innovation, community engagement, and enhanced service delivery. We plan to leverage our achievements as a springboard to introduce new technologies, enhance our training programmes, and expand our outreach to serve broader communities.

Our success in 2024 was not incidental but the result of a systematic approach to continuous improvement

Gratitude and acknowledgement

Achieving accreditation across all our programmes in 2024 could not have been possible without the hard work and dedication of our staff at every level. This success is a testament to their commitment to excellence and their passion for saving lives.

As we document our achievements and outline future directions, we remain committed to upholding the high standards we’ve set. This journey continues with each flight we operate and every life we touch, driven by our mission to deliver unparalleled medical transport services.

Medical Transport Accreditation & Compliance

Jessica Peltz, Owner of Medical Transport Accreditation & Compliance, tells us about the challenges of choosing the right accreditation company, and what’s coming in 2025

Navigating accreditation and regulatory compliance in medical transport is complex, but it is the foundation of safe, efficient, and high-quality patient care. At Medical Transport Accreditation & Compliance, we help providers not only meet these standards but exceed them, ensuring long-term operational success.

Highlights from 2024

Supporting air medical growth and development
In 2024, we guided a medical transport provider through the transition from a medical escort service to a fully credentialled 
air ambulance operation. This required:

• Aligning clinical policies with accreditation standards
• Implementing operational frameworks to ensure compliance
• Developing training programmes to maintain quality assurance.

Choosing the right accreditation – CAMTS, EURAMI, or NAAMTA – can be challenging. This year, we provided in-depth analysis and strategic guidance to multiple air medical companies, ensuring they selected the model best suited to their growth objectives.

International air ambulance audits and oversight

Accreditation is not just about earning certification – it’s about sustaining excellence. In 2024 we conducted the first phase of international air ambulance audits for a global assistance organisation, assessing compliance, accreditation status, and operational effectiveness across multiple providers.
Key focus areas included:

• Accreditation adherence and quality assurance
• Compliance with evolving industry regulations
• Effectiveness of operational protocols.

This year, we provided in-depth analysis and strategic guidance to multiple air medical companies, ensuring they selected the model best suited to their growth objectives

Our assessments helped ensure that providers met or exceeded required safety and quality standards, reinforcing their ability to deliver high-calibre patient transport services.
 

Updating internal audit and compliance programmes

For long-term success, accreditation must be integrated into a provider’s daily operations. This year, we worked with a longstanding industry client to overhaul their internal accreditation and compliance programme, adapting policies to meet changing regulations and strengthening their overall quality framework.

Accreditation is not just about earning certification – it’s about sustaining excellence

Looking ahead to 2025: elevating accreditation and expanding compliance support

Preparing more providers for accreditation success
With more organisations pursuing accreditation in 2025, we anticipate increased demand for:

• Accreditation preparation consulting
• Pre-audit assessments
• Ongoing compliance maintenance programmes.

Our goal is to position providers as industry leaders by embedding accreditation into their operational DNA – not just as a requirement, but as a standard of excellence.

Strengthening operational efficiencies

Balancing accreditation with operational demands is one of the greatest challenges for medical transport programmes. In 2025, we will help providers integrate compliance into their daily workflows, turning it from an administrative burden into a competitive advantage. By optimising staffing, logistics, and patient-care delivery models, we aim to make compliance a seamless, value-added component of operations.

At Medical Transport Accreditation & Compliance, we remain committed to advancing industry standards, empowering providers, and ensuring the highest levels of patient care.