When EMS Calls Go Sideways

Course Summary

High-Risk/ Low-Frequency (HR/LF) events are where EMS providers are most vulnerable—not because of lack of intelligence or motivation, but because these calls overwhelm cognition, erode confidence, and expose gaps in preparation that routine calls never reveal. When these events go sideways, the consequences are often severe for patients, providers, and agencies.

This course examines why HR/LF calls derail otherwise competent clinicians and how human factors, decision-making under stress, protocol dependence, and system design contribute to failure. Using real-world case discussions and practical frameworks, participants will explore how to recognize early warning signs, manage cognitive overload, and apply structured thinking when muscle memory and routine fail.