Human factors in paramedic practice - Gary Rutherford

"This book is too good for one profession. It needs to be read by those in all safety-critical industries."
Martin Bromiley OBE FRCSEd (ad hom), Founder, Clinical Human Factors Group

"I would highly recommend this book, not only to paramedics but also to their colleagues in healthcare. It has been written by a premier league team of human factors specialists and frontline experts who share their knowledge and experience of applying human factors science to paramedic practice."
Rhona Flin, Professor of Industrial Psychology, Robert Gordon University, UK

"This book will be essential reading for paramedics in all practice settings as it covers the key elements which will allow paramedics to better understand the complex sociotechnical realities of the care they provide to patients."
Andy Collen, author of Decision Making in Paramedic Practice

The system elements of paramedic practice are interconnected and complex. These elements can include the patient, the paramedic and their colleagues, the environment, the equipment, the tasks, and the processes and procedures of the organisation. Considering the socio-technical realities of care that paramedics provide are so complex, how can you best meet these challenges to support safe and effective practice as a clinician?

Written as an introduction to the discipline of human factors, the authors highlight key principles and theories and relate these to aspects of paramedic practice. Containing practical prehospital examples, this resource provides a firm understanding of systems thinking and design, enabling you to look for instances where the principles of human factors might be applied in your own practice. Accompanied by 40 full-colour images, chapters cover key topics including:

• 'Human error'
• Systems thinking
• Human-centred design
• Interaction with the patient
• Well-being of the paramedic
• Safety culture
• Non-technical skills of individuals and teams.

Whether you are a pre-hospital care professional who is involved in education, learning from events, procurement, or influencing safety culture, you will benefit from the tools and techniques provided throughout.