Running head: TEAM COMMUNICATION
Team Communication
Trey Andrews
February 25, 2008
Team Communication
Team communication is vital in many aspects of our professions. It is human nature to coexist with others in various roles: be it in the military, emergency medicine, football, or even school. The American Heritage Dictionary (n.d.) defines communication as the exchange of thoughts, messages, or information, as by speech, signals, writing, or behavior.
While serving in the United States Armed Forces, service members have to learn to take orders from those that are ranked higher than themselves. But it is also critical to be able to listen to those who are subordinates as well. The team concept and bonding with fellow sailors, Marines, soldiers, or airmen can be the difference between life and death. When out at sea on a ship there are hundreds, if not thousands, of dangers that can be avoided by communicating with other shipmates. While out on the battlefield with a squad or regiment, good teamwork may very well keep people from getting injured or maimed. There is no other fundamental as important as good communication with other team members in this capacity. As stated by United States Army Specialist Jared Ward, “If people can’t talk out here then people can get hurt or injured(Alberts, 2007, p. 1 pg. 10).” These forms of communication can be something as common as relaying and accepting orders, or as complex as hand signals given during a situation where silence and stealth are required to perform a certain mission.
Another team effort where communication is key is in the field of emergency medicine. Some of the basic ...