Incident Investigation for Emergency Services

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Incident Investigation for Emergency Services
2015 Michigan EMS EXPO

• April 24, 2015
• Dave Bradley, VFIS

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Program Overview

• Concepts of Risk Control
• What Should Be Investigated
• Investigation Process
• Scenarios / Case Studies
• Leadership Staff Role
• Review

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Objectives

• Provide a safe and healthful workplace
• Identify all incident causes and develop
  corrective actions
• Aid in implementation of corrective actions
• Develop safety awareness to aid in prevention

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Risk Control Program
Evaluate Prioritize
Identify Hazards
Decide on Controls
Monitor Results
Implement Controls
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Concepts in Risk

• Risk Control
• Avoidance
• Reduction
• Transfer
• Loss Control
• Loss Management

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Incident SourcesWhat Should Be Investigated

• Vehicles
• Property
• Liability to Others
• Leadership Liabilities
• EMS Practices
• Organizational Programs
• Operations

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Pre-Planning for Incident Investigation

• Written incident procedures
• Who is the team?
• Actions to take when an incident occurs
• What incidents must be
• Reported (must include the how)
• Investigated
• How the investigation is to be
• Initiated
• Conducted

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Investigation Phases (overview)

• Control the scene
• Collect information
• Analyze information
• Complete the incident report
• Conduct a formal investigation (if needed)
• Follow up on corrective actions

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Phase 1 - Control The Scene

• Control / Protect scene
• Preserve evidence from alteration or removal
• Form liaison with investigating agency

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Phase 2 Collect InformationThree Components

• Observation
• Photography
• Interviews

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Phase 3 - Analyze Information

• Immediate Cause
• Unsafe Actions / Conditions
• Basic / Root Cause

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Phase 4 Complete the Incident Report

• Report should have a set format
• Report should be thoroughly completed and checked
  meticulously for accuracy
• Write for prevention, not for placing blame

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Phase 5 Convene a Formal Incident Review
Committee

• If necessary
• Conducted for all serious injury incidents
• Conducted for all near misses with high potential
  for injury or significant damage
• In cases of death or serious injury seek help
• Group effort

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Phase 6 - Follow Up on Corrective Action

• Take corrective action anytime
• Systematic approach
• Involve

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• Scenarios

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VFIS Resources

• VFIS Accident Investigation
• http//www.vfis.com/documents/AccidentInvestigatio
  nGuidebook.pdf
• Risk Communiques / Safety Forms
• http//www.vfis.com/additional-materials-downloads
  .htm
• Newsletter
• http//www.vfis.com/newsletter-archive.htm
• Tailboard Training
• http//www.vfis.com/tailboard-training.htm

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VFIS ResourcesMutual Aid Self Assessment Survey

• The Mutual Aid by VFIS is a web-based
  self-evaluation form.
• Resource that allows ESOs to self-assess
  operations.
• Where a need is identified, the system points
  users to the appropriate resources available from
  VFIS.
• It is an easy way for ESOs to identify which VFIS
  resources best meets its risk control, training
  and education needs.
• Resource document can be found at
  www.vfis.com/mutualaid/default.aspx 

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VFIS ResourcesMutual Aid Packet
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• Leadership Role
• Staff Role

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Thank You!

• Dave Bradley
• VFIS, Director of EMS Programs
• 1-800-233-1957
• dbradley_at_vfis.com
• www.vfis.com