Polk County Fire Rescue wins CAS accreditation; crews honored for two emergency births and neonatal resuscitation

Polk County Fire Rescue announced it has renewed its Commission on Accreditation of Ambulance Services (CAS) accreditation and recognized crews today after two on‑scene births and a separate neonatal resuscitation. The county presented crews with a CAS accreditation award and a lifesaving award from AdventHealth Heart of Florida.

The county’s command staff said Polk County Fire Rescue first obtained CAS accreditation in February 2017 and successfully completed the latest triannual renewal. “When they came here, they could do an on‑site visit,” a county presenter said, noting the accreditors reviewed stations, vehicles and training files. The presenter added Polk County earned a near‑perfect review and falls in the top 1–2% of accredited services nationally.

Amber Smith, communications director, described two recent runs: a Highland City crew that delivered a baby minutes after arrival and a Haines City crew whose immediate CPR revived a newborn who was not breathing. The mother of the first newborn, Kaylee Hartle, told commissioners, “this crew honestly was incredible,” and the mother of the second newborn, Crystal O’Connell, said, “you guys didn’t give up on him,” thanking the crew for saving her baby. AdventHealth Heart of Florida and hospital partners presented the crews with a lifesaving award.

Dr. Banerjee, director of the county’s medical services, said the accreditation reflects ongoing county support and staff training. Commissioners and county officials praised the crews’ performance and the department’s training standards.

The presentations preceded routine agenda business; no county policy change or budget appropriation was proposed as part of the accreditation recognition.

Family members and hospital representatives joined the crews onstage for photographs; commissioners offered public thanks to the crews for their training and service.