GOLD CROSS INTRODUCES EMERGENCY MEDICAL ID CARD
December 15, 2010
Gold Cross Ambulance has introduced a virtual medical identification card that allows individuals to share limited access to their vital health information in the event of an emergency.
The Invisible Bracelet (iB) is a wallet card, key fob or ID sticker linked to a secure online web service, where members can register their vital health information. The bracelet allows Gold Cross personnel quick access to a patient's health information, through PIN-enabled online access, saving critical time in getting the patient treated. If medical transport is necessary, medics can notify up to 10 patient contacts immediately via SMS text message or email.
iB is a voluntary service that puts the patient in control of the information medics can access and is as secure as online banking. This HIPAA-compliant web service exceeds federal and state patient privacy and security laws and creates an audit log every time patient data is accessed. The card will help Gold Cross medics perform their job more efficiently by reducing patient harm and unnecessary expenses that results from having incomplete or inaccurate vital emergency health information.
“Having access to a patient’s health information at the scene saves valuable time in assessing the situation," said Brooke Macias, Gold Cross Ambulance Community Relations. "This gives our medics an advantage in a crisis and we expect the Invisible Bracelet will help us save more lives.”
As a key player in creating the iB Medic Network, Gold Cross is offering the iB membership for an annual fee of $5.00 through Dec 31, 2010. Applicants must be 18 years old or be registered by a legal guardian. To create an account, log onto: http://www.invisiblebracelet.org/ems/gold-cross-services
GOLD CROSS DONATES AMBULANCES TO GUATEMALA VILLAGES
June 16, 2010
Gold Cross Ambulance has donated two ambulances to CHOICE Humanitarian as a service to the people of Alta Verapaz, Guatemala.
The 1981 decommissioned ambulances, which are in good working condition, were tuned up and given new tires by Gold Cross to make the 2,217 mile, six day journey to the remote mountainous area of this Central American country. With the nearest hospital hundreds of miles away, the ambulances will be used as mobile medical clinics providing basic heath care and emergency patient transfers when needed.
"These communities in Guatemala are so poverty stricken and remote, they rarely receive basic healthcare," said Chris Johnson, Program Director for CHOICE Humanitarian. "These ambulances donated by Gold Cross will make a tremendous difference in literally saving the lives of hundreds of sick and injured people."
"Gold Cross Ambulance is pleased to partner with CHOICE Humanitarian to provide the residents of Alta Verapaz with suitable ambulances to improve medial services and patient transportation,” said Mike Reynolds, Director of Operations for Gold Cross Ambulance. This will be the 31st and 32nd ambulance Gold Cross has donated to the Central America region."
Based in Salt Lake City for 28 years, CHOICE Humanitarian works in rural villages in Guatemala and four other countries (Nepal, Kenya, Bolivia and Mexico) to help communities lift themselves out of poverty. CHOICE Humanitarian seeks to end poverty by focusing on sustainable village development.
Gold Cross Transportation Begins Service in Southern Utah
November 1, 2009
Gold Cross Transportation, a Utah based wheelchair service provider, now offers assisted, non-medical transportation to southern Utah residents as of November 1, 2009. The company phone number is (888) 690-1211.
With a fleet of specially equipped vans, Gold Cross Transportation is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, holidays and weekends to provide private residence transportation, transfer between health care facilities, rehab centers, skilled nursing and convalescent facilities. The Gold Cross staff are trained and certified to meet the anticipated level of care of the client.
The company will respond for travel requests in the counties of Washington, Kane, Iron, Garfield and Beaver. In addition, Gold Cross will provide long distance transportation to surrounding states.
Gold Cross is capable of transporting patients on stretchers, wheelchairs and motorized mobility devices. With hydraulic lift capability, the company is equipped to assist Para Transit customers according to the criteria set by the Americans with Disability Act.
“The response of the medical community has been very positive,” said Mike Moffitt, President of Gold Cross Services. “The skilled nursing facilities, in particular, have been asking us to come to the area for years due to lack of choices in transportation. Gold Cross is pleased to provide this service which is very needed in the area.”
GOLD CROSS AMBULANCE UNVEILS NEW WEBSITE
May 19, 2009
Gold Cross Ambulance has announced the launch of its new website at www.GoldCrossAmbulance.com. The site has been given a fresh modern look and visitors will now find the latest information on the transportation services and resources offered by Gold Cross.
The new site offers several enhancements to make it easier to navigate with a quick and easy drop-down menus showcasing ambulance services, assisted transportation, online payment, certified training, employment opportunities, community relations and affiliated links.
“Gold Cross is committed to using the latest technology to educate the community on how we are continuously improving emergency and transportation services for patients along the Wasatch Front,” said Mike Moffitt, president of Gold Cross. “The simple user interface on the website provides the public with quick and easy access to useful information.”
The website also meets the needs of EMTs and paramedics by providing educational and career opportunities and direct links to other resources. Site visitors can file an application, inquire about a bill, or contact Gold Cross through e-mail for specific support. The website will be continually updated with enhanced features and company information.
GOLD CROSS DONATES AMBULANCE TO MEXICAN CITY
May 7, 2009
Gold Cross Ambulance has donated an ambulance to serve the people of Piedras Negras, Mexico, just south across the Texas border.
The 1977 decommissioned ambulance, which is in great working condition, was loaded with stretchers, medical supplies and equipment by Gold Cross. In addition, the Sandy community donated clothing, bike helmets and car seats to be distributed.
With the nearest hospital over 100 miles away, the ambulance will be used as a mobile medical clinic and in emergencies, will cut the time in half to getting a patient to the hospital.
Gold Cross Ambulance is pleased to partner with Sandy City Fire and the Sandy Rotary Club to provide the residents of Piedras Negras with a suitable ambulance to improve medial services and patient transportation,” said Mike Moffitt, President of Gold Cross Ambulance. This will be the 30th ambulance Gold Cross has donated to Mexico.
GOLD CROSS AMBULANCE INCREASES STAFFING IN UINTAH COUNTY
December 15, 2008
With the growing number of 911 emergency calls and the demand for ambulance service in Eastern Utah, Gold Cross Ambulance has enhanced its operation by expanding the staffing of 24 hour crews from its facility at 220 West 100 South in Vernal.
As of December 1, Gold Cross Ambulance has added six full-time EMT’s on 24-hour shifts at its Vernal station for quick response to all calls. This expansion by Gold Cross will allow for more efficient delivery of emergency medical services to meet the increasing demand.
In addition, the company will continue to utilize over 30 part and full-time intermediate EMT’s, paramedics and nurses in the area to respond in time of need. The company has six ambulance units and one supervisor quick response unit on site to manage any emergency medical situation in Eastern Utah.
“We are indebted to the hard working, dedicated medical professionals in Uintah County who continue to work with Gold Cross Ambulance to serve their community with competence and caring,” said Mike Moffitt, President of Gold Cross Ambulance.
Gold Cross Ambulance has been the exclusive provider of ambulance services in Eastern Utah since 1980 when Uintah County sought to change the delivery method of emergency services in the area. Gold Cross is dispatched through the Utah State Public Safety Dispatch Center and provides coordinated medical response to emergencies in Uintah, Duchesne and Daggett counties, along with the Ute Tribe reservation. The Gold Cross station phone number is (435) 789-6907.
As a leader in Emergency Medical and Ambulance Service for nearly four decades, Gold Cross Ambulance specializes in basic life support, paramedic, critical care, neonatal and non-emergency transportation services. Utah owned and operated, Gold Cross employs 320 highly trained and certified paramedics, EMT’s, and other professionals, with a fleet of 63 fully equipped emergency vehicles and a state-of-the art emergency communications center based in Salt Lake City. Gold Cross works closely with local, state, and federal agencies to assure quality care and access to emergency services for all citizens of Utah.
GLENDALE RECEIVES COMPUTER DONATION FROM GOLD CROSS
October 6, 2008
Students and parents at Glendale Middle School in Salt Lake City will be enjoying an enhanced computer lab due to the generosity of Gold Cross Ambulance who has donated 17 DELL Optiplex computers.
The used computers, each with a 19” SVGA monitor, keyboard, mouse and packaged software, will be integrated into the school’s Community Action Resource Center. The center offers after school and evening programs for parents and students, who will use the computers to enhancing computer technical skills, write resumes, search for jobs and gain access to other resources in the community via the Internet.
According to Glendale Middle School principal Betty Valenzuela the computers will assist in the modernization of the educational process at the school. “This donation by Gold Cross Ambulance is significant for our school and will allow more students, parents and teachers access to technology to enhance their computer skills and develop crucial life skills.”
“We are pleased to get these computers into the hands of those who can use them,” said Gene Moffitt, Chairman of Gold Cross Ambulance. “Our corporate office is just three blocks from the school and we’re excited to serve as a business partner to such an important community program.”
The Salt Lake Community Action Program (SLCAP) is a not for profit organization that provides a wide range of services aimed at helping low-income people become self-sufficient. SLCAP seeks to create programs that empower people to enhance the quality of their lives by having them design and implement strategies that will create solutions to their problems.
As a leader in Emergency Medical Service for nearly four decades, Gold Cross Ambulance specializes in basic life support, paramedic, critical care, neonatal and non-emergency transportation services. Locally owned and operated, Gold Cross employs 320 highly trained and certified paramedics, EMT’s, and other professionals. With a fleet of 65 fully equipped emergency vehicles and a state-of-the art emergency communications center, Gold Cross works closely with local, state, and federal agencies to assure quality care and access to emergency services for all citizens of Utah.
GOLD CROSS AMBULANCE RECIEVES NATIONAL ACCREDITATION
July 30, 2008
Gold Cross Ambulance, a leader in emergency response services, has earned national accreditation from the Commission on Accreditation of Ambulance Services (CAAS).
The ambulance provider, which serves Salt Lake, Utah, Juab and Uintah counties, is the first ambulance provider in the state to achieve the national distinction. There are currently 112 CAAS-accredited agencies across the U.S. and Canada.
The process of accreditation includes a comprehensive self-assessment over several months and an independent outside review of the entire operation. Once achieved, the three-year accreditation is considered a "gold standard" among modern emergency medical service providers and often exceeds the standards established by state or local regulations.
“We are extremely gratified by this national recognition by our peers in the ambulance industry,” said Mike Moffitt, Senior Vice President of Gold Cross Services. “This accreditation reaffirms our commitment to continue delivering high-quality patient care, while maintaining our valued relationships with other EMS agencies and the medical community.”
Gold Cross specializes in basic life support, paramedic, critical care, neonatal and non-emergency transportation services. Locally owned and operated for over 40 years, Gold Cross employs 320 highly trained and certified paramedics, EMT’s and other professionals. With a fleet of 65 fully equipped emergency vehicles and a state-of-the art emergency communications center, Gold Cross works closely with local, state and federal agencies to assure quality care and access to emergency services for all citizens of Utah.
The Commission on Accreditation of Ambulance Services (CAAS) was formed in 1990 as a not-for-profit agency to be a standard bearer for medical transportation systems. It is sponsored by the American Ambulance Association, the American College of Emergency Physicians, the National Association of EMS Physicians, the National Association of State EMS Officials, the National Association of EMTs, and the International Association of Fire Chiefs, with liaison representation from The National Highway Transportation Safety Administration.
GOLD CROSS AMBULANCE JOINS MCGRUFF YOUTH WATCH PROGRAM
March 12, 2008
Gold Cross Ambulance has joined forces with McGruff, the well-known Crime Dog, to brand each of their ambulances as a “McGruff Truck” and provide assistance to children in distress. Gold Cross is the first private, non-public service company in the United States to join the McGruff Truck team.
The McGruff Truck Program is a nationwide program coordinated by the National McGruff House Network to "Take A Bite Out Of Crime" by improving neighborhood safety and offering help to children in emergency situations.
Children in need of help are taught to wave both arms overhead when they see a McGruff truck. Gold Cross Ambulance crews are trained to stop to find out what the problem is, use their two-way radio to call appropriate authorities and wait with the child until help arrives. A McGruff Truck driver does not provide transportation or place the child in the truck; act as a peacekeeper or law enforcement officer; make guarantees for the child's safety; and will not approach a child unless he/she clearly is in trouble.
“Gold Cross Ambulances are visible around the Salt Lake valley and the McGruff Dog decal is clearly displayed on the front and back of each of our ambulances letting children know that they can safely ask us for help,” said Mike Moffitt, Senior Vice President of Gold Cross Services.
The McGruff Truck program was piloted in Utah in 1986 (as was the McGruff House program) with Questar (formerly Mountain Fuel) and Comcast, both still active participants. McGruff has literally been on patrol since that time, starting with about a dozen gas utility trucks under a pilot program in Price, Utah. The parent program has grown over 18 years to twenty-four states involving 140 corporations and municipalities participate involving 16,000 vehicles. The McGruff Truck program is a companion to the well-established McGruff House Program, which utilizes carefully screened volunteers to post the McGruff House sign in their Homes' window.
As a leader in Emergency Medical Service for nearly four decades, Gold Cross Ambulance specializes in basic life support, paramedic, critical care, neonatal and non-emergency transportation services. Locally owned and operated, Gold Cross employs 320 highly trained and certified paramedics, EMT’s, and other professionals. With a fleet of 65 fully equipped emergency vehicles and a state-of-the art emergency communications center, Gold Cross works closely with local, state, and federal agencies to assure quality care and access to emergency services for all citizens of Utah.
GOLD CROSS AMBULANCE NAMED DISPATCH CENTER OF EXCELLENCE
November 28, 2007
Gold Cross Ambulance has received accreditation from the National Academy of Emergency Dispatch (NAED) as an Emergency Medical Dispatch Center of Excellence. Gold Cross is one of only two emergency communications centers in Utah and the 112th in the world to be awarded this distinction.
During NAED's 20-Points-of-Excellence review of Gold Cross Ambulance, the Academy noted the high level of quality performance, clinical practices, equipment, training and overall emergency preparedness of the ambulance company. The accreditation demonstrates Gold Cross Ambulance’s compliance with all local, national and international practice standards for emergency medical dispatch.
Gold Cross was additionally recognized for their comprehensive implementation and compliance with the Medical Priority Dispatch System (MPDS). MPDS, the world’s most widely used 911 pre-arrival instruction and dispatch life support protocol system, offers scripted instructions for dispatchers to offer telephone instructions for CPR, childbirth assistance, airway relief and other emergency situations. MPDS has been credited with saving thousands of lives.
"This is wonderful recognition of the hard-working communications personnel in our emergency communications center," said Mike Moffitt, Senior Vice President of Gold Cross Services. "Intermountain West residents know that when they call Gold Cross, they will receive superior patient care and efficient resource utilization. This accreditation reaffirms that knowledge.”
The NAED 20-Points-of-Excellence covers all aspects of ambulance operations including: standards for agency management; financial management, budgeting and strategic planning; relations with outside agencies; mutual aid and disaster coordination; community education and relations; human resources and personnel management, hiring, credentialing, training, problem resolution and performance evaluations; clinical standards; quality improvement; safe operations and risk management; vehicles, equipment, and facilities; and communications/dispatch.
As a leader in Emergency Medical Service for nearly four decades, Gold Cross Ambulance specializes in basic life support, paramedic, critical care, neonatal and non-emergency transportation services. Locally owned and operated, Gold Cross employs 320 highly trained and certified paramedics, EMT’s and other professionals. With a fleet of 65 fully equipped emergency vehicles and a state-of-the art emergency communications center, Gold Cross works closely with local, state and federal agencies to assure quality care and access to emergency services for all citizens of Utah.
ONE DAY PATIENT TRANSFER WILL BE FIRST OF A KIND
GOLD CROSS DONATES AMBULANCES TO TRANSPORT PATIENTS
October 29, 2007
After several months of planning and mock transport exercises, Gold Cross Ambulance and Intermountain Healthcare are ready to move nearly 200 stable and critically ill patients, children and infants from LDS and Cottonwood Hospitals to the new Intermountain Medical Center. There has never been a patient transfer of this magnitude in the history of Salt Lake City.
Gold Cross is donating the use of 14 ambulances and a staff of 36 certified paramedics, EMT’s, drivers and medical technicians as a service to the community.
To assure the patient transfer goes smoothly, Gold Cross has carefully mapped out various routes between LDS and Cottonwood Hospitals and each ambulance will be tracked by GPS at the Gold Cross Emergency Communications Center. The Utah Highway Patrol will keep Gold Cross abreast of traffic conditions to ensure quick and safe transportation corridors. The transfer will conclude when the last patient is transferred from Cottonwood Hospital.
The donation of emergency vehicles, staffing, fuel and other logistical support by Gold Cross Ambulance amounts to roughly a $200,000 contribution to Intermountain Healthcare.
As a leader in Emergency Medical Services for forty years, Gold Cross Ambulance has worked closely with Intermountain Healthcare and other medical facilities to pioneer the movement of critically ill patients between hospitals. Gold Cross works closely with local, state and federal agencies to assure quality care and access to emergency services for all citizens of Utah.
About Intermountain Medical Center
The new Intermountain Medical Center, located near 5300 South and State in Murray, was built to better serve the region's fast-growing population. It features five comprehensive specialty hospitals on one campus and is designed to enhance health-care services for both inpatients and outpatients. It will serve as a regional referral center for patients throughout the Intermountain West. It's one of the most technologically advanced and patient-focused medical centers in the country, with robotic surgery, high-tech cancer treatment, and state-of-the-art computerized medicine.
ADVANCED NEONATAL/PEDIATRIC ICU AMBULANCE PLACED INTO SERVICE
October 9, 2007
Gold Cross Ambulance, in partnership with Intermountain Life Flight and Primary Children’s Medical Center, has placed into service a specially equipped Neonatal/Pediatric ICU Ambulance. The new unit will be stationed full time at Primary Children’s and will serve to compliment Intermountain Life Flight’s helicopter and fixed wing emergency transport that services the Intermountain Region.
The intensive care ambulance was custom designed by Gold Cross and is equipped with the latest technology and staffed by neonatal and pediatric nurses trained in the care of critically ill neonates and children. The unit offers enhanced space for neonatal incubators with cardiopulmonary monitoring, ventilators, infusion pumps and other specialized equipment. The ambulance also has a self-contained power supply to maintain optimal thermal environment, compressed air, suction devices and other modifications to improve patient care. These enhancements to the ambulance allow the premature baby and children to receive lifesaving attention during their trip to Primary Children’s.
“Time is of the essence when transporting premature or medically fragile infants,” said Mike Moffitt, Senior Vice President of Gold Cross Ambulance. “Intermountain Life Flight’s experienced transport team and this state-of-the-art ambulance in Utah, will allow Gold Cross and Life Flight to provide a high level of intensive care to premature infants.”
As a leader in Emergency Medical Services for nearly four decades, Gold Cross Ambulance has worked closely with Primary Children’s for the last 40 years to pioneer the movement of sick children between hospitals. Locally owned and operated, Gold Cross employs 320 highly trained and certified paramedics, EMT’s and other professionals. With a fleet of 65 fully equipped emergency vehicles and a state-of-the-art emergency communications center, Gold Cross works closely with local, state and federal agencies to assure quality care and access to emergency services for all citizens of Utah.
Intermountain Life Flight, an affiliate of Intermountain Healthcare, transports patients by helicopter, fixed wing aircraft, and ground ambulance. Life Flight’s skilled medical crews consist of highly trained and experienced nurses, paramedics, and respiratory therapists who provide patients with the best possible care during transport.
Primary Children’s Newborn and Pediatric Intensive Care Units are ranked among the best in the Intermountain West for advanced medical care. Primary Children's Medical Center is owned and operated by Intermountain Healthcare and serves the needs of children in the states of Utah, Idaho, Wyoming, Nevada and Montana.
