In this episode of Beyond the Checklist, host Kevin Rhea sits down with Sarah McEntee, Executive Director of the Commission on Accreditation for Ambulance Services (CAAS). Together, they explore how CAAS has been shaping excellence in EMS for decades—helping agencies deliver safe, reliable, and high-quality care to communities across the country.

Sarah shares her personal journey into leadership, the mission and impact of CAAS, and how accreditation goes far beyond paperwork to transform organizations, improve patient outcomes, and strengthen agency culture. The conversation dives into the evolving landscape of EMS, from workforce challenges to innovation and future readiness, while highlighting the role of accreditation as both a benchmark of excellence and a catalyst for lasting change.

Whether you’re an EMS leader, a public safety professional, or simply curious about how standards drive better care and safer communities, this episode offers practical insights, inspiring stories, and a deeper look at why accreditation matters more than ever.