For Immediate Release: May 3, 2012

Grady EMS Earns Accreditation as Emergency Medical Dispatch Center of Excellence

Grady EMS dispatch center is one of only 165 centers world-wide to earn this honor

Contact: Denise Simpson
Phone: (404) 616-6855
E-mail: dsimpson@gmh.edu

The International Academies of Emergency Dispatch (IAED) has awarded Grady EMS accreditation as an Emergency Medical Dispatch Center of Excellence. Grady Emergency Medical Services is the 165th center in the world and only the third in Georgia to be awarded the highest distinction for its comprehensive implementation and compliance with the Medical Priority Dispatch System (MPDS) and the 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. In addition to requiring proper system oversight, medical control and quality management programs, accreditation requires careful MPDS compliance and certification for all emergency call-takers and medical dispatchers. Earning accreditation is voluntary.

"As Atlanta's 911 emergency ambulance service, Grady EMS works to meet the highest quality standards at every level. The Emergency Medical Center Dispatch Center of Excellence accreditation confirms that we have developed a system that provides the highest quality medical response to the citizens of Atlanta when they need emergency care," says Bill Compton, Grady Health System Vice President of Operations/EMS.

Grady EMS responded to more than 120,000 911 calls in 2011. With a fleet of 46 ambulances and a staff of 300, Grady EMS has provided life-saving services to the City of Atlanta for 120 years.

About Grady Health System
Grady Health System is one of the largest public health systems in the United States. Grady consists of the 953-bed Grady Memorial Hospital, six neighborhood health centers, Crestview Health & Rehabilitation Center, and Children's Healthcare of Atlanta at Hughes Spalding, which is operated as a Children's affiliate.

With its nationally acclaimed Emergency Department and Burn Center, Grady has the premier level I trauma center in the region and serves as the 911 ambulance provider for the city of Atlanta. The state's only Poison Center is housed at Grady as well.

The Marcus Stroke and Neuroscience Center, Grady Diabetes Center, Georgia Cancer Center for Excellence, Comprehensive Sickle Cell Center, and the Avon Breast Health Center are also notable components of the health system. Additionally, Grady's Ponce de Leon Center was named one of the top three HIV/AIDS outpatient clinics in the country.

Other key services include Grady's Regional Perinatal Center and its Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, the Primary Care Center, dedicated 60 Plus services for older adults, Teen Services, and the Rape Crisis Center. Nationally ranked in one specialty, Grady was named one of Atlanta's Best Hospitals by U.S. News & World Report.

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