Sheboygan County Sheriff’s Office earns award for excellence

The Sheboygan County Sheriff’s Office has been recognized by The International Academies of Emergency Dispatch® (IAEDTM) as an Accredited Center of Excellence (ACE) for Emergency Medical Dispatching. Sheboygan County is the 361st Medical ACE in the world.

IAED is the standard-setting organization for emergency dispatch services worldwide. Accreditation (and subsequent re-accreditation) from the IAED is the highest distinction given to emergency communication centers, certifying that the center is performing at or above the established standards for the industry. Centers who earn ACE status are the embodiment of dispatch done right, and have demonstrated strong local oversight, rigorous quality processes, and a commitment to data-driven continuous improvement.

Sheboygan County takes over 30,000 911 calls a year, and uses the Emergency Medical Dispatching (EMD) Protocol for all medical calls. The Center is staffed with 23 dispatchers, three supervisors, and one manager. The Center dispatches for 22 Fire departments, four Ambulance services, and seven law enforcement agencies.

“Since the Sheboygan County Emergency Communications Center implemented Emergency Medical Dispatch, the Sheboygan Fire Department has seen a significant increase in pre-arrival instructions being provided—such as CPR. Early intervention during life-threatening emergencies saves lives, and these instructions have already played a key role in improving patient outcomes.” — Assistant Chief Michael Lubbert, Sheboygan Fire Department

“As the Medical Director overseeing the Emergency Medical Dispatch program for Sheboygan County, I’m thrilled to see them receive accreditation from the International Academy of Emergency Dispatch! The Sheboygan County Sheriff’s Office Dispatch Center is one of only three accredited agencies in the State of Wisconsin. To have an outside agency come in and verify the great work they do, and recognize it, is a huge accomplishment!” Dr. Steven Zils , Medical Director for Sheboygan County.

“The ACE award is a recognition that our agency’s staff has not only mastered the protocols but also embodies the professionalism, commitment, and skills necessary to provide superior care during a crisis. It speaks to the fact that the human element–the telecommunicator’s compassion, quick thinking, and unwavering resolve–is the true core of a successful emergency response system.” Matt Spence, Sheboygan County Sheriff

“Accreditation is truly a pinnacle achievement”, said Christof Chwojka, Accreditation Board Chair at IAED. “We applaud the dedicated calltakers, dispatchers, and leadership team at Sheboygan County for their commitment to quality, and for meeting that high standard that few achieve. We know their community can count on these first, first responders to do an outstanding job.”

IAED will present Sheboygan County with an Accreditation plaque that commemorates their achievement. IAED Accreditation is the culmination of a lengthy, arduous process that includes the completion of the 20 Points of Accreditation, a detailed evaluation of performance by industry experts, and a final review and ruling by IAED. Accreditation is valid for a three-year period, during which all standards must be upheld.

Over 3,500 emergency communication centers worldwide use the medical, fire, police, and emergency nurse triage protocols developed and maintained by the IAED. The protocol-based system—known as the Priority Dispatch SystemTM—is recognized as the standard of care and practice for emergency dispatch, and is used in 46 countries.

About IAED

For more than 40 years, the IAED has been the standard-setting organization for emergency dispatch and response services worldwide, and is the leading body of emergency dispatch experts. We are a member-driven association working to serve the public through the professional development of dispatchers. Our various boards and councils work on behalf of the membership—and in coordination with other public safety organizations—to ensure that the comprehensive system of emergency dispatching is as safe, fast, effective, and up-to-date as possible.