Full Notification

In a ceremony held Thursday, December 5, 2013 the Ontario Police Department’s Communications Division was awarded accreditation as a Center of Excellence from the International Academies of Emergency Dispatch. The Ontario Police Department is one of the few dispatch centers 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 proper system oversight, medical control and quality improvement programs, Accreditation demands careful MPDS compliance and certification for all emergency call-takers and medical dispatchers.

Earning this accreditation award is voluntary and involves completing a detailed self-study and analysis. This accomplishment demonstrates, not only each individual within the Communications Division, but also to the Fire Departments and communities we serve that the Ontario Police Department is compliant with all international practice standards for Emergency Medical Dispatch.

In his welcoming address to the ceremony attendees, Police Chief Eric V. Hopley commented, “Earning this important accreditation in such a short time shows the talent and dedication of our Dispatchers. This distinction is a great source of pride for our Department and the City of Ontario.” Fire Chief Floyd Clark, who also attended the presentation ceremony, commented, “This accreditation brings real value to the communities we serve.” Representatives from the Inland Counties Emergency Medical Agency, the Chino Valley Independent Fire District and the International Academies of Emergency Dispatch were also in attendance at Thursday’s ceremony.