atsb final report released 16 may 2013 - Ambulance Service of NSW

‘Pause point’ risk assessmentThe insertion of a ‘pause point’ in normal operations provides a means to ensurethat all operational personnel have the opportunity to review the current situationand proposed next actions, and to raise any appropriate concerns or considerationsfor discussion with the rest of the crew. As a result, crewmembers share an accurateunderstanding of the situation and proposed actions and can assure themselves thatall necessary support actions have taken place.Pause points have been used successfully in the healthcare industry to enhance thelikelihood that checklists for safe surgery were followed. A pause point generallyoccurs before any major or critical event and ensures that all involved staff have theopportunity to provide input or query any aspect of the operation prior to that majorevent or critical point (for example, just prior to an incision).- 35 -