This is the first of 10 articles in the 2017 EMSFORWARD campaign. Read the article announcing the series or visit EMSFORWARD.org to access the full report and additional patient safety resources.
“Culture plays a foundational role in any organization as it shapes the attitudes and perceptions of leaders as well as front line coworkers. The national EMS safety council understands that developing and cultivating a culture of safety is critical.”
— National EMS Safety Council
Scenario: There has been a mistake during a call. An EMS crew of two seasoned providers recognize that the mistake could affect the patient’s outcome. They want to report it and know that reporting it is the right thing to do, but, privately, they are worried about what may happen to them and what others will think. The crew reports the event to the emergency department nurse and physician and then contacts their supervisor before leaving the hospital.
Ask yourself: Is your cultural climate based on a model of shared accountability which supports self-reporting?
