By Allison G. S. Knox, M.A., EMT-B, faculty member at American Military University
Working in emergency medical services (EMS) can be extremely stressful for responders. To provide the best service to patients under such conditions, it’s critical that EMS teams be comprised of a group of trusted people.
[Related Article: The Lifesaving Power of Teamwork]
However, building a strong team is easier said than done. When team members do not mesh well, it can add stress to an already stressful environment. It is important for those in EMS to know how they fit into the team environment and contribute to the overall team effort. Individuals must also know how to effectively diffuse and overcome any challenges that may arise within the team.
[Related Article: Know How to Avoid Teamwork Pitfalls]
Some scholars argue that individuals come together with the “forming, norming, storming, performing” framework. According to researcher Judith Stein, under this framework, people essentially need to figure each other out and work out their differences. After doing so, they are much better able to effectively perform as a team.
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