Building a strong EMS team: Overcoming conflicts

By Allison G. S. Knox, American Military University

Working in emergency medical services 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.

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.

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.

DISCUSS ISSUES OPENLY

In all teams, it is inevitable that there will be conflicts among members, which can make it difficult to work together. When this situation arises, it is important for team members to talk out their differences directly. It does not help the situation or the team performance to turn the situation into gossip. When team members discuss their differences openly, they are often able to come to a resolution.

TURN TO MEDITATION

There may be times when team members cannot work out their differences. When this happens, mediation can often be an effective solution. In EMS, it is important to discuss these issues with the chief or another person in a managerial position. The goal is not to get someone into trouble but rather to come to a mutual understanding and compromise over the issue at hand.

Especially in EMS, it is important to have strong and collaborative teams. Ultimately, each team member is responsible for his or her role in the team and must figure out how to work together and to iron out differences before it becomes an issue. Speaking to each other about these issues in a civilized fashion is ideal, but mediation may be needed if initial discussions are not constructive.

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