EMSA

Supporting you after a serious incident

Overview
Resident responsibilities
Cons on call responsibilities

Overview

EMSA provides a recommended framework to support residents and trainers following a serious untoward incident.

Going through a significant medical event can present both professional and emotional difficulties for resident doctors (RD). It’s essential to establish a well-organised support system to prioritise their overall well-being and career growth during this challenging period.


This set of guidelines delineates roles with actions to offer meaningful support after such incidents. It is important to recognise that each situation is unique, eliciting a diverse response from individuals in such circumstances.
Consequently, the level of support required may vary.

These guidelines are designed to offer a structured approach to managing such situations effectively.

Project Leads:

Dr Sujata Handa – TPD for Quality, East Midlands School of Anaesthesia

Dr Puja Chhaniyara – Resident doctor

Key documents

TitleLink
Resident Doctor Support Framework GuidelineOpen
Resident Doctor Support Framework – ResourcesOpen
Resident Doctor Support Framework – InfographicOpen
Resident Doctor Support Framework – Appendix 2 Final MeetingOpen
Resident Doctor Support Framework – Appendix 1 Initial meetingOpen
Resident Doctor Support Framework – PSI Investigation process guideOpen

Resident doctor responsibilities

  1. Prioritise Patient Safety
    Focus on stabilising the patient and fulfilling immediate responsibilities as a healthcare provider.
  2. Seek Assistance
    Call for senior help or consult with an experienced colleague to ensure appropriate
    patient care.
  3. Document
    Provide an accurate and comprehensive record of events in the patient’s medical records detailing the actions taken.
  4. Duty of Candour
    With support from the senior team, communicate openly with the patient and their family.

Prioritise safety

Get help and inform consultant

Document the incident

Consultant on call responsibilities

Assess the team to determine safety to continue

Delegate to maintain clinical activity and support team

Communicate with family, college tutor and resident

Check in within 24hrs (or delegate)

  1. Presence
    Should be informed (if not already)
    Required to attend and be on site
  2. Assessment
    Assess the team and whether they can continue, or need cover for the rest of the shift
  3. Additional support
    Call in second consultant to attend to maintain clinical activity
    Aim to delegate responsibilitie of maintaining ongoing activity whilst original team concentrate on the incident
  4. Debrief
    Hot debrief during the shift, or within 24hrs
  5. Communication with family
  6. Resident doctor welfare
  7. Notification of college tutor of incident
  8. Follow up
    Identify the next point of contact and check in within 24hrs.

Resources