Skip Navigation LinksServices > Emergency Services > Emergency Medical Services > Maryland Seal of Excellence

 Maryland Seal of Excellence

Maryland Institute for Emergency Medical Services Systems Voluntary Ambulance Inspection Program Seal of Excellence

The Voluntary Ambulance Inspection Program (VAIP) serves to formally recognize those companies in Maryland that provide a high level of emergency service and to make this fact clearly apparent to the public. In 1981, the Maryland Institute for Emergency Medical Services Systems (MIEMSS) initiated a statewide VAIP. This Program has been a jointly sponsored project of MIEMSS and the Maryland State Firemen’s Association (MSFA). The VAIP is developed jointly by MIEMSS, MSFA, and the State Emergency Medical Services Advisory Council (SEMSAC).

Companies requesting and successfully passing the inspection receive a Certificate of Excellence to display in the station, and up to two Certificate of Excellence decals for display on each certified unit. The certificate period is for two years.

Prior to inspection, companies are required to complete an application, verify that the vehicle has met the DOT inspection criteria within the past year, and certify certain minimum training and staffing standards for each EMS unit.

The inspection includes checking the supplies inventory and equipment necessary to adequately care for patients in the prehospital setting. Suction and oxygen delivery equipment, both portable and on-board systems, are checked to ensure their proper and safe operation. Additionally the Maryland EMS communications equipment will be checked for proper operation.

In addition to biennial review and revision, these standards are subject to modification if necessitated by changes to the Maryland Medical Protocols for Emergency Medical Services Providers.

For more information on the Voluntary Ambulance Inspection Program - Seal of Excellence visit the Maryland Institute for Emergency Medical Services Systems website.

The Queen Anne's County Department of Emergency Services EMS Division, is proud to support the Maryland VAIP - Seal of Excellence and all of our EMS units are inspected to the ALS standard.