Sunstar is reaccreditation as an
Emergency Medical Dispatch Center of Excellence
SALT LAKE CITY. UT—The International Academies of Emergency Dispatch (IAED) is pleased to formally award Reaccreditation as an Emergency Medical Dispatch Center of Excellent to Paramedics Plus LLC (dba: Sunstar Paramedics). The Sunstar Communications Center was the 34th in the world to be awarded this highest distinction for their comprehensive implementation and compliance with the Medical Priority Dispatch System (MPDS) and associated "20 Points of Excellence."
The MPDS is the world’s most widely-used 911-type pre-arrival instruction and dispatch-life-support protocol system. With scripted telephone instructions for CPR, airway obstruction relief, hemorrhage control, and childbirth assistance, the MPDS has been credited with helping save thousands of lives. In addition to requiring the proper system oversight, medical control and quality improvement programs, Re-Accreditation demands careful MPDS compliance and certification for all emergency call-takers and medical dispatchers.
Earning this Re-Accreditation award is voluntary and involves completing a detailed self study and analysis. This accomplishment demonstrates to not only each individual within the communications center, but also to the administration, community, and the world, that Sunstar Communications is compliant with all international practice standards for Emergency Medical Dispatch (EMD).
Setting a New Record in 2012!
Sunstar Paramedics reached a new milestone in March, transporting 12,919 patients in one single month! This represents a 2.1% increase from March, 2011, consistently the busiest time of the year for Pinellas County EMS. With winter residents and spring breakers visiting the area, Pinellas sees a considerable increase in 9-1-1 calls and hospital admissions. Through careful forecasting, we were able to decrease the workload on our EMTs and Paramedics while performing at 94.51% emergency compliance.
Special Events Team in Full Swing
Members of the Sunstar Special Events Team have been kept quite busy this spring! Last weekend, the S.E.T. spent 3 days assigned to the Grand Prix of St. Petersburg. Team members were located at the Albert Whitted Airport in between the medical tent and the Ferrari Coral. Luckily, they had no major injuries so team members were able to watch a little Indy racing while enjoying the great weather!
The Special Events Team also attended training last month in preparation for the Phillies’ spring training season. Our team for spring training consists of two full crews and an EMT. We worked 17 games in the month of March and treated over 180 patients! A few of the team members even got to spend some quality time in the dugout with the visiting teams. Although spring training is over, the S.E.T. will assist with up to four Clearwater Threshers games every week during regular season. We are gearing up for the Iron Girl race and St. Anthony’s triathlon in April. Each will have 5 medic teams on site for participant or spectator emergencies.