Mission and Goals of CAMTS
The following mission statement, vision, values, and transport organization expectations were approved by the CAMTS Board of Directors in 2009.
Mission Statement
CAMTS is a peer review organization dedicated to improving patient care and transport safety by providing a dynamic accreditation process through the development of standards, education, and services that support our vision.
Vision Statement
All patients are transported safely by qualified personnel using the appropriate mode of transport.
CAMTS Values
Fair Ethical Consistent Accountable Patient and Safety Focused
Transport Organization Expectations
Honest Self Assessment Ethical Business Practices Patient and Safety Focused Continuous Quality Improvement Transparency in the Accreditation Process
CAMTS—An Organization of Organizations
CAMTS is a nonprofit organization supported by 21 member organizations. Each member organization is required to send a representative to serve on the Board of Directors. In addition, there are 2 aviation experts representing the International Helicopter Safety Team's (IHST) Joint Helicopter Safety Implementation Team (JHSIT). There are also 2 voting Board members who represent the public. Board members are directly responsible for accreditation decisions, policies, and procedures as well as marketing and budgeting. The CAMTS board meets 4 times a year.
The diversity and experience level of Board representatives provide CAMTS with the integrity to offer accreditation in North America and abroad. The following is the current list of member organizations:
Aerospace Medical Association (AsMA)
Air & Surface Transport Nurses Association (ASTNA)
Air Medical Operators Association (AMOA) Air Medical Physicians Association (AMPA) American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) American Association of Critical Care Nurses (AACN) American Association of Respiratory Care (AARC) American College of Emergency Physicians (ACEP) American College of Surgeons (ACS) Association of Air Medical Services (AAMS) Association of Critical Care Transport (ACCT) Emergency Nurses Association (ENA)
European HEMS and Air Ambulance Committee International Association of Flight Paramedics (IAFP) National Air Transportation Association (NATA) National Association of Air Medical Communications Specialists (NAACS)
National Association of EMS Physicians (NAEMSP)
National Association of Neonatal Nurses (NANN)
National Association of State EMS Officials (NASEMSO)
National EMS Pilots Association (NEMSPA)
United States Transportation Command (US TransCom)
Accreditation Standards2
The entire accreditation process is based on compliance with accreditation standards. The standards are revised every 2 or 3 years to reflect the dynamic evolution of medical transport.
Medical transport services that achieve accreditation must meet substantial compliance with the accreditation standards. Each standard is supported by measurable interpretations to address the general topics below:01.00.00 Management and Quality
Mission Statement and Scope of Care
Financial Commitment
Marketing and Education for the Public
Ethical Business Practices
Compliance
Management/Policies
Mission Types and Professional Licensure
Staffing
Physical Well- Being
Meetings, Records and Policies
Utilization Review
Quality Management
02.00.00 Patient Care
Medical Direction
Clinical Care Supervisor
Program Manager
Orientation, Training and Continuing Education Program Requirements
Medical Configuration of the Aircraft/Ambulance
Infection Control
03.00.00 Communications
The FAA Part 135 Certificate Holder
Communications Equipment
Communications Specialists
Communications QM Program
Shift Briefings
Post Flight Debrief Formal Meetings Communications Policies Flight Following
Communications Center
04.00.00 Safety and Environment
Safety Education
Equipment and Operations Around the Aircraft/Ambulance
Safety Management System3
The above sections are pertinent to all Critical Care services in addition to the following sections that address components specific to each mode of transport provided.
05.00.00 Rotorwing
06.00.00 Fixed Wing
07.00.00 Ground Interfacility
The Accreditation Standards also address:
08.00.00-11.00.00 ALS-BLS Ground 12.00.00-15.00.00 Medical Escort
An ALS-BLS ground service may apply for CAMTS accreditation if it is part of an air or ground critical care service. A service that only provides medical escorts on commercial airlines may apply for accreditation without having other transport components.