July 10, 2017
On July 6, 2017 members of the Second District Volunteer Fire Department and Rescue Squad, Inc. met with a Maryland Institute for Emergency Medical Services Systems (MIEMSS) Region V representative for the inspection of Ambulances numbered 67, 68, and 69. All three ambulances successfully passed The Voluntary Ambulance Inspection Program (VAIP) and received the Maryland Seal of Excellence certification.
Second District Volunteer Fire Department and Rescue Squad received approval for renewal of the Certificate of Excellence to display in the station, and each Ambulance to proudly display Certificate of Excellence decals for each certified unit.
“The Voluntary Ambulance Inspection Program (VAIP) serves to formally recognize those companies in Maryland that provide a high level of emergency service and to make this fact clearly apparent to the public. The current (2016) inspection guidelines, which undergo periodic review, were developed jointly by MIEMSS, Maryland State Fireman’s Association (MSFA) and the State Emergency Medical Services Advisory Council (SEMSAC), and reflect changes Basic Life Support (BLS).”
“The Regional Medical Directors unanimously support the VAIP and strongly encourage all EMS Operational Programs to comply with VAIP standards. In any mutual aid situation, compliance with VAIP standards by adjoining EMS Operational Programs will ensure that any unit responding will meet or exceed the Maryland VAIP standards.” Maryland Volunteer Ambulance Inspection standards consisted of a request for inspection submitted in writing along with a complete application which provided written documentation of officers and their titles and level of certification; as well as copies of vehicle inspection certificates, proof of insurance, EMS vehicle information, and a list of EMS personnel and their level of training.
Prior to the inspection, many weeks of planning, organizing, stocking of equipment, labeling, ordering of supplies, and cleaning had to be done to help meet the standards. Each Ambulance had to meet the Department of Transportation (DOT) inspection criteria within the past year, and certify certain minimum training and staffing standards for each EMS unit. The certification period lasts for two years, at which time the department will have to reapply to VAIP and recertify with MIEMSS.
The inspection involved verifying adequate supplies and proper equipment necessary to adequately care for patients in the pre-hospital setting. Also, suction and oxygen delivery equipment, both portable and onboard systems, were checked to ensure their proper and safe operation.
After completion of the inspection, the Second District Volunteer Fire Department and Rescue Squad members were told they “passed with flying colors.”
This is the third time that the Second District Volunteer Fire Department and Rescue Squad have applied for the Maryland Seal of Excellence. Many thanks to those members who volunteered numerous hours to ensure these ambulances were ready to pass their inspection. No upgrades and or changes were required; all ambulances met the current standards:
Second District Volunteer Fire Department and Rescue Squad applied for the renewal of this Maryland Seal of Excellence, the response remains the same; “to better serve our community, but most of all, for the pride of our department.”
Congratulations to membership of the SDVFDRS for the dedication, hard work and efforts which made this accomplishment possible.
EMS Safety Officer 6 JP Caulder
EMS Chief 6-A Daniel Browne