The OCA “Red Flag” System is designed for the reporting of Sentinel Events and Safety Events. It combines elements of the PEERs, E.V.E.N.T., and Near Miss reporting tools.

*Sentinel Events are defined as a Patient Safety Event which results in any of the following:

  • Death

  • Permanent harm

  • Severe temporary harm and intervention required to sustain life

*Near Miss Safety Events are defined as unplanned events which:

  • Did not result in injury, illness, or damage to an EMS practitioner but had the potential to do so

  • Did not result in damage or destruction of vehicles, aircraft, or equipment but had the potential to do so

  • Only a fortunate break in the chain of events prevented injury, fatality, or damage

The information submitted via the “Red Flag” System is reviewed by the Orange Cross Peer Review Committee. This committee is comprised of a Chairperson, an Assistant Chairperson, and Member at large drawing from Executive Leadership, Training Department Leadership, and the Medical Director of Orange Cross Ambulance, Inc.

Information submitted or generated through the use of “Red Flag” system is confidential and for review or evaluation of the services of ambulance service providers, health care providers or facilities, professional peer review and/or quality improvement activities in accordance with Wis. Stat §146.37 §146.38 and the Health Care Quality improvement Act of 1986.

At its discretion the Peer Review Committee may report to all providers employed and contracted by OCA the de-identified results of the root cause analysis and provide a summary of best practices learned.