Accreditation Program

 

 The purpose of this program is to identify and recognize emergency service personnel and organizations whose accomplishments in training and education meets or exceeds nationally recognized standards. The standards for emergency service organizations identify the minimum requirements for a team at a particular level of progression. An organization accredited to either of the two recognized levels will have demonstrated competency in the knowledge and skills required to perform at a particular level, and possess the necessary equipment in order to perform the level of rescue. The service that can be offered to the citizens and communities of the Commonwealth will be enhanced by the professional competency attained through this accreditation process.

 

            To date, there are 50 plus Pennsylvania emergency organizations accredited at one or more levels. With this organization growing more organizations are attempting to achieve the level of accreditation. All organizations accredited receive a certificate for public display and large decals for their apparatus where they may be placed. Decals cannot be displayed on equipment or boats.

 

            The applicant organization once awarded the accreditation as a Participating Department will be issued documentation and signage valid for a period of three years; after which the applicant organization must renew their recognition in the program. Depending on the travel distance for your evaluator there may be a mileage fee involved. This should be discussed between the identifying company and the evaluator. Listed in this packet is a list of evaluators. Contact the one closest to your agency.

 

The PWRIA reserves the right to do spot inspections on teams that are accredited. Any certified evaluator can do inspections. Inspections will be done in the same manner many car insurance officers assess vehicle damages. This is to ensure that your department is following the guidelines of the accreditation. The PWRIA also reserves the right to remove a department’s accreditation for failure to comply with the guidelines. If a department wishes to contest the association they have 30 days to respond in writing to the board of directors. The board of directors will then respond to the department in question and give a final decision. Expiration of all accreditations will be December 31 of the expiration year. Departments will have 60 days from the expiration to renew their accreditation or remove all PWRIA decals from their vehicles. Once the department chief has signed the application, the said department agrees to follow all guidelines.

 

Training

 

To be recognized as a Participating Department in the Accreditation Program, the Pennsylvania Water Rescue Instructors Association has established the following criteria for recognition approved by the Board of Directors:

 

1.                  The organization applying for a department accreditation must submit a properly completed application contained herein.

 

2.                  The applicant organization will submit their roster of certified personnel within their organization who possess current water rescue certification.

 

3.                  The applicant organization will submit all training records pertaining to water rescue.

 

4.                  The applicant organization must be a chartered emergency organization.

 

5.                  The municipality in which you’re located must recognize the applicant organization.

 

6.                  The applicant organization’s equipment must be located on one of your department’s vehicles.

 

7.                  The applicant organization must submit their Water Rescue Policy and Standard Operating Guidelines

 

8.                  The applicant organization must have six (6) personnel trained in PA Water Rescue and Emergency Response certified members.

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