Risk and avoidable harm part 1: Recognising risk in paramedicine

In this two-part continuing professional development series, we explore the complex and often sensitive topic of clinical mistakes and events of avoidable patient harm (sometimes referred to as iatrogenic harm), which may occur within the paramedic practice environment. Even the very best clinicians will make mistakes, and therefore we introduce the science behind why common unintentional mistakes can be made. We discuss how paramedics can better prepare themselves and their teams to more effectively prevent, respond to, and recover from unintentional mistakes that may occur in paramedic practice environments.