Loss of information is a known cause of incidents; however, previous studies using critical incident reports (CIRS) or work process analysis rarely considered (inter-)personal influences on it. The study examined risk constellations in which patients are harmed by miscommunication during handoffs based on the experience of medical personnel from pre- and in-hospital emergency services (military medics and physicians, firefighters, police medics). The results are expected to enhance future training programs to ensure patient safety. Thirty-nine participants from pre- and in-hospital emergency care from all professional groups of patient care were recruited. Some were from the military hospital in Berlin, some were undergoing a course in tactical medicine, and some were part of an Air Ambulance Crew. They were divided into 7 pre-defined groups to evaluate reasons for latent information loss and preventive measures in a focus group analysis. Three independent emergency medicine physicians categorized the transcribed statements. A total of 39 participants identified 10 risk factors for information loss. Lack of training and lack of implementation of pre-existing schemes were identified as the major risks at every care level. Depending on the profession, different causes for miscommunication in daily practice were cited. Paramedics for example identified a stressful environment (“lack of focus”), while emergency department nurses cited poor interface communication and patient misjudgment (“stereotyped thinking”). What is already known on this topic Several studies report that communication is essential for patient safety; however, to date, none have examined the risks for information loss from the perspectives of professionals involved at various levels of emergency care. What this session adds Our session showes that despite existing concepts and training, information transfer protocols and training content are insufficiently applied and, thereby, place patients at risk. How this session might affect research, practice or policy We postulate that the risk factors may jeopardize patient safety in other areas of patient care; hence, training methods must be adapted and the implementation reviewed.