Tyler, Texas (April 30, 2025) — UT Health East Texas EMS has once again been nationally recognized for its excellence in emergency medical services, earning its sixth consecutive three-year accreditation from the Commission on Accreditation of Ambulance Services (CAAS). This achievement places UT Health East Texas EMS among an elite group — roughly 180 ambulance services nationwide — to voluntarily meet and exceed the Commission’s rigorous standards.
With this continued accreditation, UT Health East Texas EMS remains the only accredited ambulance service in East Texas, reaffirming its commitment to delivering safe, high-quality care to the communities it serves.
The CAAS accreditation process involves a thorough application and an in-depth on-site review by national experts in EMS. The Commission, a nonprofit organization, promotes excellence by setting and enforcing standards that go beyond state and local licensing requirements. These standards evaluate not only clinical care but also operational practices and community partnerships.
“We are proud to have performed at such a high level in this comprehensive assessment,” said Donald Baker, Market President of UT Health East Texas. “This recognition reflects the dedication of our EMS team, who consistently exceed expectations in quality audits and work hand-in-hand with local first responders to serve and protect our communities.”
John Smith, CEO of UT Health East Texas EMS/AIR 1, credited staff for driving the organization’s continued success.
“Our team is committed to excellence, and it shows,” Smith said. “We’ve made significant investments in training and equipment, but our true focus has always been on one thing — doing what’s best for the patient on every call.”