Normal? - a digital story by Heather Seeman
Channel: Pat Jones
Date: 05/03/2014

For more stories and discussion guides, see: http://tcmtr.org/stories/default.htm

These safety stories are a real gift to our industry, and to many across many disciplines who really want to get serious about safety. Krista Haugen, co-founder of the Survivors Network describes the opportunity to hear stories about crisis averted or survived as a "get out of jail free card." We can learn a great deal from those who have taken the time to carefully tell a story that is heartfelt and a milestone in their own career.

You'll find some great discussion questions for each of the eight stories included on this CD and study booklet. The questions specific for each story were initially developed by Tom Allenstein, Chuck Ansley, Rod Crane, Colin Henry, and Howard Werman for use in their own safety education program at MedFlight of Ohio. But in addition to using the questions you'll find for each story, be sure to augmented them with discussions that facilitate what is known as "affective learning." Practitioners, both operational and clinical, in this industry are often the "brightest and best," very capable of accurately applying the intellect to complex situations. But as important is being able to learn from the "other" side of our brain -- raise questions that help us notice what feelings emerge as we watch certain tragedy unfold, questions that help us reflect about who we have been or would be in similar situations. Be sure, as you use these stories, to take a part of the discussion time to talk through the human factors; how did the story make you feel? What was the underlying tension in the story? What personal or emotional issues do you think the storyteller brought to or took from the event that are critical to be aware of? Plan plenty of time when you use a story for learning so that reactions and conversations can unfold organically depending on the learning needs of those watching the story together.

It's important to acknowledge those who have made these stories possible. The MedEvac Foundation International, the Air Medical Operator's Association, and MedFlight of Ohio have all contributed to funding and support in many ways. Nancy Sweet and Pat Jones did a wonderful job of organizing the workshop. Pip Hardy of Patient Voices in the UK and Joe Lambert and Daniel Weinshenker from the Center for Digital Storytelling have provided the leadership and great storytelling skills to help us craft this group of stories. But the biggest debt is to the storytellers who were willing to put it out there so that we all can learn. Thank you, everyone.

Cathy L. Jaynes, PhD, RN
Director of Research, The Center for Medical Transport Research