S4 Ep5 - Perspectives on Tactical Emergency Medical Support
May 10, 2024
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In this discussion, Simon Hendel, a trauma consultant and Deputy Director of Trauma Services at The Alfred Hospital, shares his journey from aspiring pilot to expert in tactical emergency medical support. With military deployments in Iraq and Afghanistan, he discusses the importance of teamwork in high-stakes medicine and how military lessons can enhance civilian trauma care. Simon also emphasizes the need for mental health support among emergency responders and the critical role of effective induction processes in tactical organizations.
Successful teamwork in tactical emergency medical support hinges on seamless integration and collaboration across various disciplines to ensure patient survival.
Training for trauma teams should prioritize high-fidelity simulation to enhance decision-making skills and psychological resilience in high-stress environments.
Post-incident debriefing is essential for continuous learning and improvement, fostering a culture that encourages feedback and adaptability among team members.
Deep dives
Understanding Mission Critical Teams
Mission Critical Teams (MCTs) consist of small groups trained to respond to rapidly evolving, complex situations where failure can lead to catastrophic consequences. These teams typically operate in high-pressure environments, often facing life-and-death scenarios within short time frames, making effective teamwork essential. The podcast emphasizes the significant lessons that can be learned from emergency medical teams, particularly regarding real-time decision-making, agility, and human factors involving teamwork. The insights shared by guests highlight the parallels between MCT operations and emergency medicine, showcasing how swift, cohesive action is critical in both fields.
The Role of Integrated Teams in Trauma Care
Dr. Simon Hendel discusses the importance of integration within trauma care teams, advocating for a collaborative approach to managing severely injured patients. He points out that fragmented systems can delay critical interventions, stressing that each patient's survival hinges on timely and coordinated care across various disciplines. By sharing training and fostering interpersonal relationships among different service providers, teams can enhance their efficiency and outcomes. This concept of integration not only improves individual patient care but also serves as a model for improving teamwork in high-stress environments.
Training for High-Stress Environments
Training programs for trauma teams are outlined to stress the necessity of preparation for high-stress situations where quick decision-making and teamwork are paramount. Dr. Hendel notes that traditional training often faces challenges due to being understaffed and overworked, which can inhibit learning opportunities. Incorporating high-fidelity simulation and exposure to realistic scenarios allows team members to practice and refine their skills under stress. The aim is to instill a sense of preparedness while also addressing the psychological resilience necessary for medical professionals operating in demanding settings.
Debriefing and Continuous Improvement
The podcast highlights the critical importance of post-incident debriefing in trauma care settings, where team members analyze their performance and identify areas for growth. Continuous learning ensures that all staff, from seasoned professionals to novices, harness their experiences to improve future responses. Dr. Hendel emphasizes fostering an environment where questions and feedback are welcomed, thereby nurturing a culture of learning and improvement. This reflective process encourages teams to evolve their practices and ultimately enhances patient care and team dynamics.
Mindset and Team Performance
The discussion touches on how mindset influences team performance, particularly during crises where stress levels are elevated. Dr. Hendel proposes that fostering a culture of adaptability and mental resilience is crucial for maintaining high performance amidst challenges. He emphasizes the need for ongoing support for team members, particularly younger professionals, to prevent burnout and promote longevity in their careers. Recognizing that individual well-being is intertwined with team effectiveness reinforces the necessity of addressing both mental health and operational demands in mission-critical roles.
Join Harry Moffitt and Simon as they talk about his journey into tactical medicine and TEMS, his military experience, and leadership, teamwork, and navigating uncertainty inside trauma and emergency medicine. They also venture into the mind and trauma voyeurism.
Simon is the Deputy Director of the Trauma Services at The Alfred Hospital in Melbourne, where he practices clinically as an anaesthesiologist and a trauma consultant. His many areas of interest include trauma and health systems, trauma-team-work, austere medical support, prehospital care, and effective leadership in trauma care. He recently completed a study into tactical care in high-threat and complex environments, via a Churchill Fellowship looking at Tactical Emergency Medical Support (TEMS) and global tactical policing. You can read it here https://www.churchilltrust.com.au/fellow/simon-hendel-vic-2022/
To assess Police Tactical Emergency Medical Support (TEMS) in comparable overseas jurisdictions - Health and Medicine — Training of health and medical workers
He is also a LT COL in the Army Reserve and has worked in and around Special Forces teams overseas and here in Australia, most notably deploying to Iraq and Afghanistan.
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