Are we a team or not?

Being a crew member suggests something.

I believe that it implies the concept of a cohesive unit and while it doesn't necessitate a camaraderie (although that would be nice), there is at it's core the notion of professional team working in concert. After all, if those qualities were not inherent in our understanding, we would not need to be the member of anything; we would just be, "along for the ride." At the heart of this understanding is the notion that our true effectiveness is the result of our collective efforts rather than individually; truly, the product is greater than merely the sum of our work totaled as individuals. Isn't that what we are about? It's not about what I did; it's about what "we" did.

Certainly, in the field of aviation, there needs to be some personal self-confidence; an egocentricity that allows the individual to rise above the storm and bring peace and order to the chaos that normally accompanies a medevac situation. That individual professionalism and dedication to the task at hand is essential if the outcome is to be favorable. Now, that behavior grows out of individual study and preparation; tasks that are common to every preparation.

However, if we place our egos above the crew's collective ethos, nothing good happens. This self-serving behavior is evident when Flight Nurses attack the credibility of Paramedics, Paramedics rail on Pilots, Pilots disrespect any other crew members, and the mechanic is disdained; from all this, nothing good comes! The team is fragmented, trust is shattered, and professional respect dies on the field of personal emotion. How sad it is that an endeavor that was birthed to provide care and service to others can so often injure the ones who provide that service.

So my suggestion is this, "So much as it depends on you, be at peace with all men (or women)." If you have a problem with a mechanic, talk to the mechanic. If you really are unhappy with the maintenance, there is a way to address those issues. If the pilot does something you find troubling, ask them about it. We all know how to process these daily occurances in a professional manner.

However, statements that use conjecture often take on a aggressive tone and have no place in an environment that should be marked by teamwork. You can see it often in statements like "... the pilot didn't have a clue ... the Fight Nurse was more concerned how she looked ... this Paramedic is jealous of all pilots ... the Mechanic doesn't care." These are often emotional responses and I believe the one who makes them often fails to consider how they may damage the cohesiveness that is supposed to be at the heart of a crew.

So then, if someone makes personal attacks against other crew members, come to their defense, rationally! Act as if the team is important. Treat that personal chemistry and interaction as it should be treated, as a fragile essential to effective performance of the crew; one that demands personal commitment.