Glenview, IL – July 1, 2025 — The Commission on Accreditation of Ambulance Services (CAAS) proudly announces the release and official implementation of the CAAS Ground Vehicle Standard (GVS) V4.0, effective today. This update marks a significant milestone in our ongoing mission to raise the bar for safety, performance, and patient care in the mobile healthcare industry.
Developed through consensus and industry expertise, GVS V4.0 reflects the latest best practices, regulatory requirements, and technological advancements for new and remounted ambulances. Notably, V4.0 incorporates critical enhancements to vehicle safety, structural integrity, electrical systems, and patient care environments. Updates include newly clarified dimensional standards, improved safety requirements for litter fasteners and anchorages, upgraded electrical charging specifications, and important refinements in areas such as siren sound standards, vehicle bumpers and steps, and internal communications features.
“This release demonstrates CAAS GVS’s commitment to continuously improving the standards that keep our EMS professionals safe and help them deliver the highest quality patient care,” said Mark Postma, GVS Administrator. “Ground Vehicle Standard V4.0 is the new standard for vehicle compliance in mobile healthcare.”
What’s New in GVS V4.0?
- Clear maximum width requirements to improve vehicle maneuverability.
- Enhanced battery charging and shore power specifications for modern EMS operations.
- Updated interior access, cab-patient compartment communications, and safety markings.
- New compliance provisions aligned with the latest SAE and AMD test standards.
- Streamlined requirements for vehicle remounts to support sustainability and safety.
All Final Stage Ambulance Manufacturers (FSAMs) and Remounters must now adhere to these updated standards to display the CAAS GVS compliance symbol. A formal transition process and support materials are available for registered FSAMs and Remounters.
The GVS V4.0 standard further strengthens CAAS’s position as the premier independent accrediting body for ambulance services and ambulance manufacturing compliance.
Visit the Ground Vehicle Standard site to download GVS V4.0.