Annals of emergency medicine
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Emergency medical services (EMS) provide care to acutely ill or injured patients in settings less controlled than other health care environments. Although reports describing individual EMS adverse events exist, few broader descriptions exist. The objective of the study is to characterize the types, frequencies, and outcomes of adverse events associated with insurance tort claims against EMS providers. ⋯ Emergency vehicle crashes and patient handling mishaps were the most common adverse events associated with tort claims against EMS agencies. Clinical management and other incidents were less common. This effort highlights potential areas for improving EMS operations and care.