The Advanced Life Support Group (ALSG), Manchester UK, began life in 1990 and became a registered medical education charity in 1993. The organisation exists to "preserve life by providing training and education to the general public and in particular but not exclusively to doctors, nurses and other members of the medical profession, in life saving techniques".The book is written and edited by Emergency Medicine specialists who are Advanced Life Support Group (ALSG) trainers.

“Though pocket-sized, this guide offers a lot, drawing attention to the challenges and opportunities created by human factors in healthcare. Its objectives are clear, coverage broad, and advice informed and practical. It achieves its purpose and is recommended.”  (Doody’s, 3 January 2014)

• Working group, viContributors, viiForeword, viiiPreface, ixAcknowledgements, xiiContact details and further information, xiiiChapter 1 Introduction to human factors in medicine, 1Chapter 2 Human cognition and error, 10Chapter 3 Situation awareness, 20Chapter 4 Leadership and teamworking, 28Chapter 5 Personality and behaviour, 36Chapter 6 Communication and assertiveness, 42Chapter 7 Decision making, 51Chapter 8 Fatigue and stress, 61Chapter 9 Key elements in communication: briefing and debriefing, 71Chapter 10 Organisational culture, 79Chapter 11 Guidelines, checklists and protocols, 85Anthology, 91Index, 97