We will enjoy a greater success if do not try to be the outstanding hero, but collaborate with every team on a level playing field.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\nIt is vital that everyone understands, why a team is present at the scene, and what team will help to accomplish what task. Using the knowledge that we acquired during our preparations, will help us with our teamwork.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Especially at chaotic scenes with many casualties, hazards like leaking petrol from crashed cars, and many rescuers tending to their respective patients, cleary labelled clothing and helmets help us to identify the person to which we want to convey vital information.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
4.2. How to Communicate All Relevant Information<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
As you know, communication techniques, such as closed communication loops, are used whenever CRM principles are applied. Below, we will explore, what needs to be communicated at the site of an emergency.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
All Professional Rescuers Should Introduce Themselves<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
Let us look at emergency physicians as an example. When they arrive at a scene, they will introduce themselves to the ambulance team, which has treated the patient up until this point. In case of a major crash, they will first go to the commander of the fire brigade in order to introduce themselves (mentioning their name and role) and obtain first pieces of information. Following that, fire fighters, paramedics, and the doctor can coordinate the next steps together.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
How to Continue the Communication<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
A rescue operation often comprises several phases, such as administering medication and applying wound dressings, before a patient can be carried to the stretcher. During all these steps, it is vital that every team member who is involved in a certain action, knows exactly what is being planned. Everyone should know the overall objective. We will use the example in the next subchapter to highlight the role of communication in the coordination of the teamwork.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
When the EMS team is ready to leave the scene and take the patient to the hospital, the members will ask other teams at the scene whether they need any further information. For instance, the police usually needs to talk to a patient whenever he or she is conscious. Normally, the officers also ask the emergency physician or paramedic about the severity of the injuries.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Before we leave a scene, we always thank other teams for their contribution.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\nAfter a major incident and whenever time allows, we try to hold a joint debriefing session once the rescue operation is completed.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n4.3. How Collaboration and Communication Facilitate Coordination<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Let\u00b4s take a look at a situation, which is quite common.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The Staircase of the House Is too Narrow, and the Turntable Ladder Is Required<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
Imagine a patient with a broken hip lying on the floor of an upper storey in a building with a narrow staircase. Now, we need the fire brigade to help us to bring the patient from one of the windows to the ground outside safely using their turntable ladder.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Two Teams, the EMS Personnel and the Fire Fighters, Communicate the Task at Hand<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
Our communication includes the following aspects, amongst others:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n\n- medical interventions before the patient is ready to be transported<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- who will carry the patient in what manner to the open window<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- what equipment will be needed during the ride towards the ground (e. g. monitoring devices after the adminstration of certain analgesics)<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- who will accompany the patient (Is there enough space for a paramedic or the emergency physician in addition to one of the fire fighters?)<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
Coordinating the Interdisciplinary Teamwork During the Rescue Operation<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
Whilst the emergency physician and the paramedics are treating the patient, the fire fighters position their turntable ladder. In addition, they have to secure the scene outside on the street. Especially if the patient is overweight, the EMS team and the fire fighters carry him or her together. During all these activities, one of the paramedics prepares the stretcher on the street outside so that everything is ready when the patient arrives on the ground.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
<\/span>5. In the Need of a Crisis Intervention Team<\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\nWhenever someone has just lost a loved one, or a family member has just been severely injured, we always ask the relatives if they want a crisis intervention team to help them through the first hours after the tragic event. Sometimes, the presence of close family members or friends is enough, but in some cases, people accept our offer gratefully.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
A crisis intervention team usually consists of two persons, but sometimes and at some places, there may only be one. In some areas the members of such teams are pastors, in others they may also be paramedics or volunteers who have attended the required training courses.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
When we call a crisis intervention team to the scene, it will take some time until it arrives. Whether we meet the team in person or not, we always try to make contact and tell the team members what we know about the incident. This information does not only include what happened, but also what type of relationship there is between the victim and the persons concerned. In addition, we mention any circumstances that may aggravate the situation, such as a recent loss of a family member.<\/p>\n\n\n\n