A pathway to continuous improvement
Bluedot Air Ambulance recently underwent an audit by the European Aeromedical Institute (EURAMI). EURAMI is a non-profit organization dedicated to promoting high-quality aeromedical care through accreditation, certification, and educational initiatives. A EURAMI audit is a comprehensive evaluation process designed to assess whether an air ambulance service meets their stringent standards. This involved a detailed review of various aspects of the Air Ambulance Service’s operations, clinical care, and safety protocols. This includes:
1. Pre-Audit Documentation Review
Before the onsite audit began, the air ambulance service must submit a range of documentation that details its operations. This typically includes:
- Company policies and procedures
- Staff qualifications and training records
- Safety and risk management protocols
- Maintenance logs for aircraft and medical equipment
- Patient transport protocols and clinical care guidelines
EURAMI will review these documents to ensure that the provider has the necessary
infrastructure in place to meet their standards.
2. Onsite Inspection
During the onsite audit, a EURAMI auditor (or team of auditors) visits the air ambulance provider’s facilities and operations. This may include inspecting the company’s:
- Aircraft and Medical Equipment: Ensuring that aircraft are equipped with appropriate
medical equipment and that both are well-maintained and meet the required safety
standards. - Operational Procedures: Reviewing the provider’s standard operating procedures for
patient transport, including pre-flight, in-flight, and post-flight care. The auditors will look for
consistency with best practices for safety and clinical care. - Safety Protocols: Assessing the safety measures in place, such as emergency protocols,
risk management systems, and crew safety equipment. - Training and Qualifications: Verifying that the medical and flight crew are adequately
trained, certified, and regularly updated on the latest industry standards and medical
practices. This includes checking that the air ambulance personnel hold the necessary
qualifications and complete mandatory ongoing education.
3. Clinical and Patient Care Standards
The auditors will examine how the provider ensures the highest quality of patient care. This may involve:
- Reviewing case studies or patient care records (with patient confidentiality protected)
- Evaluating the clinical skills of medical staff
- Ensuring that medical protocols are evidence-based and up-to-date
- Verifying that patients receive appropriate care during transport, from stabilization to
monitoring throughout the flight.
4. Interviews and Staff Interviews:
Auditors often conduct interviews with key personnel to assess their understanding of the company’s procedures and safety practices. This can include speaking with flight crews, medical staff, and operational managers. The goal is to gauge the competency of staff and ensure they are familiar with the company’s policies and standards.
5. Post-Audit Report and Recommendations:
After the audit, EURAMI provides a detailed report that includes their findings. If the air ambulance provider meets all of the necessary criteria, they will be awarded EURAMI accreditation. If any gaps or areas for improvement are identified, the service will be given an opportunity to address these issues before accreditation is granted or renewed.
Undergoing such a rigorous process helps maintain high standards in the air ambulance industry. It ensures that we deliver top-tier care to patients across a range of our medevac services.
