Monthly Archives: July 2019

Armstrong Ambulance Earns Renewed National Accreditation

CAAS 1

Armstrong Ambulance has retained its national accreditation through through the summer of 2022.

Armstrong Ambulance Service is pleased to announce that it has earned a new three-year accreditation from the Commission on Accreditation of Ambulance Services.

Armstrong is one of only four ambulance services in Massachusetts that has earned CAAS accreditation, and is one of 180 nationwide to achieve the accolade. It first earned accreditation in 2013 and is now accredited through 2022.

Obtaining and maintaining accreditation requires adherence to an extensive set of rigorous industry standards, as evaluated by an independent team of experts in emergency medical services. Accreditation solidifies Armstrong’s status as one of the elite EMS providers in Massachusetts and the U.S.

“Our entire team is committed to providing the highest possible quality of patient care and service, and our accreditation is an important reflection of that commitment,” Armstrong CEO Rich Raymond said. “I’m proud of the sustained effort by everyone at Armstrong that made this possible.”

The commission emphasizes high-quality patient care and addresses that core requirement by establishing standards of treatment. It also evaluates an ambulance service’s entire operation, including its relationships with other agencies, the general public, employees and the medical community. CAAS accreditation is considered the “gold standard” for ambulance services.

Armstrong earned re-accreditation following a stringent offsite assessment of polices, processes and protocols as well as a two-day on-site review by members of the CAAS accreditation panel in early June.


Armstrong Paramedic and EMT Receive National Recognition at Stars of Life Banquet

Armstrong Paramedic John Sossei and EMT Ron Keech were recognized at the American Ambulance Association’s Stars of Life banquet.

Armstrong Paramedic John Sossei and EMT Ron Keech were recognized at the American Ambulance Association’s Stars of Life banquet.

From June 23-26, Armstrong Paramedic John Sossei and EMT Ron Keech visited Washington, D.C., and were honored for their extraordinary efforts and contributions to the field of emergency medicine.

The American Ambulance Association’s Stars of Life program celebrates the contributions of ambulance professionals who have gone above and beyond the call of duty in service to their communities or the EMS profession. Each June, The American Ambulance Association honors and recognizes Star of Life recipients from around the country who were nominated by their colleagues, peers and people they work with, who believe they are superb EMS practitioners.

Keech has been with Armstrong for five years and in that time has established himself as a leader, mentor and role model for his colleagues. He’s also regularly commended by patients and their family members for his kind, compassionate approach to helping those in need.

“Ron places high importance on every interaction he has, whether it’s with colleagues here at Armstrong or with patients and family members while responding to calls,” Armstrong CEO Rich Raymond said. “He truly represents what it means to go above and beyond in his role by applying a personal touch to his work with our patients, as well as by taking on various leadership responsibilities that make us all better at our jobs.”

Sossei joined Armstrong after serving as a non-commissioned officer in the Air Force and later as a paramedic in California. His work ethic, command presence, and kind, firm, and honest demeanor have set a positive example for his Armstrong teammates. Sossei has quickly advanced throughout his career as a seasoned and astute clinician, peer leader, Field Training Officer and AHA instructor.

“John is the consummate paramedic professional who is able to handle any situation with the care and attention it deserves,” Raymond said. “He is an open-minded and vocal leader who is a truly gifted member of our team, and he’s extremely deserving of this honor.”

The Stars of Life awards ceremony served as the culmination of a three-day visit to Washington D.C. that included meetings with Sen. Edward Markey and Rep. Katherine Clark, where they discussed relevant legislative initiatives.