I have been hearing these buzz words Crew Resource Management (CRM) lately. After reading the basis of CRM I see parallels to our work in EMS and how the CRM process can help EMTs and paramedics do a better job. CRM started in the military and in aviation industry as a way of reducing errors in flight. Obviously when a plan crashes the stakes are very high and affect hundreds of lives.
Crew Resource Management Topics:
Communications
Situational Awareness
Decision Making
Teamwork
Barriers
Communications is a key area that directly affects patient care. I found that “thinking out loud was a great strategy when working as a medic for sharing ideas. Often my partner and I would be thinking the same thing and benefit from the open communication. The American Heart Association refers to this as a Constructive Intervention. Please post your comments about CRM Communication below.