Tag: Acadian Ambulance

Acadian Ambulance Honored First Responders for Lifesaving Efforts

On August 1, 2025, Acadian Ambulance formally recognized a group of first responders for their quick action and expert care that helped save a man’s life in Jeanerette, Louisiana. The Meritorious Service Awards were presented to Paramedic Field Supervisor Trent Boudreaux, Emergency Medical Technicians Stacey Leblanc and Caylie Guidry, as well as Jeanerette Fire Department Chiefs Sherry Landry and Clarence Clark during a ceremony held at Jeanerette City Hall, as per this article from The Daily Advertiser.

The commendation stemmed from an emergency call in June, when a 58-year-old male suffering from chest pain lost consciousness shortly before paramedics arrived. In those critical minutes, the man’s family began administering CPR after receiving instructions from Acadian Ambulance dispatchers. When emergency personnel reached the scene, the patient was found in full cardiac arrest.

Working together swiftly, the medics and firefighters performed a series of life-saving interventions. After just one defibrillation, a dose of emergency medication, and eight minutes of continuous CPR, they succeeded in restoring a pulse. Upon stabilization, the team identified the cardiac event as a ST-segment Elevation Myocardial Infarction—or STEMI. This form of heart attack is among the most dangerous, caused by a complete blockage of one of the heart’s major arteries.

Among those on scene was EMT Caylie Guidry, who was participating in her first field ride as part of her paramedic training. Despite being new to the field, Guidry remained focused, relying on her training and simulations to help navigate the high-pressure scenario. With support and supervision from Boudreaux and Leblanc, she successfully performed several critical procedures: she inserted an intraosseous needle (IO) into the patient’s leg, managed the patient’s airway with a breathing tube, and administered a shock with the defibrillator.

EMT Stacey Leblanc shared that the experience carried deep emotional weight for the team. Often, paramedics transport patients without knowing the outcomes. In this instance, the team stayed connected, checking in on the patient’s recovery and even visiting him in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU). For Leblanc and her colleagues, seeing the positive outcome brought a sense of fulfillment that reinforced the importance of their work.

For Trent Boudreaux, the recognition from leadership at Acadian Ambulance and the City of Jeanerette served as a powerful morale boost. Given the frequent exposure to trauma and crisis in their line of work, being publicly honored for saving a life helped remind the team of the value and impact of their service.

Acadian Ambulance, a Louisiana-based, employee-owned company, provides emergency medical services across much of the state. Known for its commitment to excellence in pre-hospital care, the company often reminds the public that no emergency is too small to warrant attention. Leblanc emphasized that community members should never hesitate to call for help, stating that all emergencies are treated with the utmost seriousness. The incident also highlights the crucial role that coordinated response plays in successful medical outcomes. From the initial instructions provided by the dispatcher to the swift intervention by firefighters and medics on the ground, and finally to the advanced care provided in the hospital, every step contributed to saving a life. This chain of survival illustrates the importance of training, communication, and decisive action in emergency medicine.

For readers unfamiliar with some of the medical terminology, a STEMI (ST-segment Elevation Myocardial Infarction) is a severe type of heart attack that requires immediate treatment. It occurs when one of the heart’s major arteries is completely blocked. The use of an intraosseous (IO) needle allows medication and fluids to be delivered directly into the bone marrow when traditional intravenous access is not possible. These techniques, while advanced, are becoming increasingly common in the field thanks to improved training and technology. This lifesaving effort in Jeanerette serves as a powerful reminder of the difference well-prepared and dedicated first responders can make in their communities.

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Acadian Ambulance Receives Industry’s Gold Standard Re-accreditation

Acadian Ambulance’s Louisiana and Mississippi operations recently achieved re-accreditation from the Commission on Accreditation of Ambulance Services (CAAS), earning a perfect score during the review. As per this article from The Advocate, This significant achievement highlights the company’s commitment to providing top-quality medical transportation services, exceeding many of the industry’s standards, and affirming its role as a leader in emergency medical care.

The Commission on Accreditation of Ambulance Services (CAAS) was established to enhance, promote, and recognize excellence in patient care within America’s medical transportation system. Achieving CAAS accreditation signifies that an ambulance service has met the highest industry standards. It is not merely about meeting basic regulations; it often involves exceeding both state and local requirements. This level of accreditation serves as a mark of distinction within the field of emergency medical services (EMS) and reflects a company’s dedication to quality care.

The accreditation process is thorough and comparable to the rigorous evaluations used for hospitals and nursing homes. It occurs every three years and involves an intensive application phase followed by an on-site inspection lasting several days. During this inspection, a team of external experts evaluates the company’s operations. For Acadian Ambulance’s most recent reaccreditation, reviewers from across the country traveled to Louisiana and Mississippi to assess the company’s performance. This included visits to the company’s newest service area in Harrison County, Mississippi, as part of the evaluation.

Acadian Ambulance has held its CAAS accreditation since 1995, which emphasizes its long-standing commitment to high standards. It remains one of only two ambulance services in both Louisiana and Mississippi to have achieved this accreditation. The release noted that Acadian is also one of 12 accredited ambulance services in Texas and one of approximately 170 nationwide to earn this distinction. Acadian Ambulance’s Texas operations had previously been reaccredited by CAAS in 2022, further showcasing the company’s dedication to maintaining superior service across its service areas.

Justin Back, President of Acadian Ambulance, expressed that while the CAAS accreditation is not required for daily operations, the company sought it out because of its significance as the “gold standard” in EMS. According to Back, CAAS accreditation ensures accountability not only to patients but also to healthcare partners, which is a crucial aspect of their service model. He explained that the CAAS reviewers highlighted Acadian’s equipment, training, technology, and fleet as industry-leading and of exceptional quality, reflecting the company’s forward-thinking approach to EMS.

In addition to its outstanding service, Acadian Ambulance continues to innovate and adapt to the changing needs of the communities it serves. This includes the use of cutting-edge technology and continuous staff training to stay ahead in the field. The company has introduced modernized ambulances equipped with the latest medical devices, enhancing both patient care and overall response time. Furthermore, Acadian has invested heavily in training its personnel, ensuring that all staff members are equipped with the skills and knowledge required to provide optimal emergency medical care.

Acadian Ambulance has grown into one of the largest ambulance services in the country, providing medical transportation and services across multiple states, including Louisiana, Texas, Mississippi, and Tennessee. This growth is rooted in the company’s mission to offer superior care, a goal that has been central to its operations since its founding in 1971.

Since its establishment, Acadian Companies has expanded beyond emergency medical transportation to include a wide range of services. This includes health, safety, and security offerings, as well as education and transportation services. Through these varied services, the company remains committed to providing the best possible support and education to the communities it serves, continuously working to enhance its offerings and improve its impact on public health and safety.

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