This applied research project evaluated existing performance evaluation models for fire based Emergency Medical Services (EMS) programs for possible implementation by the Los Angeles Fire Department (LAPD). The problem was that the LAFD did not have a comprehensive system for evaluating the performance of its EMS program. The purpose of the research was to evaluate whether or not a nationally and/or internationally recognized comprehensive performance evaluation model was available for implementation by the LAFD. This research project employed the evaluative research methodology to answer the following questions: 1. Were there any national and/or international performance evaluation models that pertain to fire-based EMS programs? 2. What were the potential benefits and/or limitations of applying an existing performance evaluation model to the LAFD EMS program? 3.What factors would prevent the LAFD from implementing an existing performance evaluation model for its EMS program? 4. What performance evaluation models were other fire-based EMS providers using? The principle procedures employed in this research project were: a review of the literature; personal interviews; searches of related areas via the Internet; an analysis of federal, state. and local laws, regulations, policies, and standards; and an analysis of LAFD EMS performance data. The major findings of this research were that there were four nationally and/or internationally recognized comprehensive evaluation models that could be implemented by the LAFD. Each of the four models used a self-assessment and third party review to evaluate the applicant agency. The criteria for both accreditation and quality award include substantially similar elements.The primary benefits of either accreditation or quality award were a comprehensive evaluation of the system against well-defined criteria and an objective third-party review. The obstacles to implementation included funding and support for the process from both internal and external sources. Of the four models evaluated by this research project, the majority of the fire-service agencies across the country have chosen to use the Commission on Fire Accreditation (CFAI) self-assessment and accreditation model as the basis for their quality improvement processes. The recommendations resulting from this research were that the LAFD should: 1.Apply for accreditation through the Commission of Fire Accreditation International (CFAI) and use the self-assessment and accreditation process to: overhaul its EMS policies and procedures; bring the Department's EMS program into compliance with the community standard of care; and seek to perpetuate the process through continuous accreditation. 2. Use the National Academy of Emergency Medical Dispatch (NAEMD) program to: overhaul its dispatch policies and procedures; bring the Operations Control Dispatch Section (OCDS) into compliance with the community standard of care; and seek to perpetuate the process through accreditation as a center of excellence (ACE). 3. Use the four phases of the National Fire Academy (NFA) Change Management Model (CMM) to facilitate the implementation of the self-assessment and accreditation process. 4.Establish an executive level accreditation coalition that reports directly to the Fire Chief and has as their primary responsibility management of the self-assessment and accreditation processes. 5. Seek the political support and funding needed to pursue accreditation and to implement the recommendations that are developed as a result of the self-assessment and peer review evaluation process.