Background Given the crucial role the circulatory system plays in maintaining normal physiological function and homeostasis, acute disruption of this system, whether through thromboembolism or haemorrhage, carries with it the possibility of severe morbidity and high risk of mortality. The prevention of thromboembolism is a key pillar of patient safety, both inside hospitals and in the community. In 2021, the Office for National Statistics (ONS) reported 7365 deaths related to blood clots [1]. The National Thrombosis Survey, published by Thrombosis UK in collaboration with the Getting it Right First Time (GIRFT) programme, in 2021, identified 13% of hospital-acquired thromboses as being preventable, and most were related to inadequate thromboprophylaxis [2]. The report also identified 12 cases (3%) of these preventable venous thromboembolism events led to fatal pulmonary embolism (PE). However, blood clots also occur in other settings, including care homes and the community, where data on preventable clots is less clear. The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) outlines key guidance in reducing the risk of thromboembolism, including risk assessment, prophylaxis, and follow-up [3]. Understanding the factors increasing the risk of acute or chronic haemorrhages, or directly causing them, are key to preventing morbidity and mortality from these events. A number of potentially modifiable risk factors increase the risk of bleeds, including unsafe environments contributing to falls and trauma, and issues surrounding anticoagulant medications – indeed, one study found that the in-hospital mortality from major bleeding in patients on oral anticoagulants was 21% [4]. The reason to study both thromboembolism and haemorrhage in tandem is there is occasional overlap between the two events, such as intracranial bleeds leading to space-occupying clots, and disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC) increasing the risk of subsequent bleeding. Management (or mismanagement) of anticoagulant medications can increase the risk of either condition. Not all clots and bleeds are preventable, however it is important to understand what factors surrounding these events are modifiable to prevent serious harm. Since 1984, coroners have had a duty to report and communicate a death where the coroner believes that action should be taken to prevent future deaths [5]. These reports, named Prevent Future Deaths, are mandated under Paragraph 7 of Schedule 5, Coroners and Justice Act 2009, and regulations 28 and 29 of The Coroners (Investigations) Regulations 2013 [6,7]. A detailed analysis of PFDs implicating clots or bleeds could highlight preventable factors leading specifically to death, the most severe outcome following both events. This is important to inform clinical staff managing patients at risk of or who have experienced both conditions, public health policy, and guideline creation.