Patient safety in ambulance services: a scoping review

This study aimed to identify and map available evidence relating to patient safety when using ambulance services. There was inconsistency of information on attitudes and approaches to patient safety, exacerbated by a lack of common terminology. Patient safety needs to become a more prominent consideration for ambulance services and development of new models of working must include adequate training and monitoring of clinical risks. Providers and commissioners need a full understanding of the safety implications of introducing new models of care. Areas requiring further work include the safety surrounding discharging patients, patient accidents, equipment and treatment, delays in transfer/admission to hospital, and treatment and diagnosis, with a clear need for increased reliability and training for improving handover to hospital.