It’s an A+ for Lethbridge Fire & Emergency Services

Lethbridge Fire & Emergency Services (LFES) has attained the Emergency Medical Services (EMS) Accreditation Certification from Accreditation Canada, highlighting the commitment of excellence in care and organizational performance.

With over 300 standards to follow from diligent hand hygiene to narcotics safety, this accreditation process assesses EMS teams against comprehensive criteria to measure quality of service delivery. The LFES team has met and exceeded these expectations, receiving an Accreditation with Commendation, an A+ score.

Accreditation is a requirement of the City’s contract with Alberta Health Services to provide emergency medical services in Lethbridge. Over 80 policies had to be reviewed and updated to meet the requirements which were audited by two external surveyors. The surveyors noted the impressive innovations within LFES, particularly the High Performance CPR initiative and the Infection Prevention and Control care.

“We are thrilled to have achieved the EMS Accreditation Certification once again,” says Christopher Fahey, Accreditation and Logistics Officer, Lethbridge Fire and Emergency Services, “This certification not only acknowledges the organization’s devotion to best practices, but also provides a reassurance to the community of the level of quality and safety for our city.”

The process evaluates various aspects of operation efficiency, including clinical care, emergency response, vehicle/equipment, training, professional development and quality improvement.

The accreditation process is normally completed every four years, but due to Covid-19 delays, it has been five years since LFES team have received this important certification.