Flint earns national Gold Standard EMS accreditation

The Flint Fire Department has earned the Commission on Accreditation of Ambulance Services’ “Gold Standard” accreditation, about two years after the city relaunched its municipal ambulance service following a more than 20-year gap. The designation recognizes high standards for patient care, safety, operations and accountability, and Flint is among roughly 25 to 30 U.S. fire departments with active accreditation. The yearlong review required the department to meet more than 100 standards. City officials say restoring ambulance service has improved emergency response and helps ensure residents receive care for crises such as heart attacks, strokes and overdoses. The service was funded with rescue funds, opioid settlement money and revenue, which the mayor said avoided additional costs to residents.