Firefighters have to perform in high demanding environments, which require the ability to cope with stress. Research has shown that performance as well as stress reduction is affected by mental preparation strategies such visual imagery, activation, self-confidence, attentional control, relaxation, goal setting and self-talk. The outcome of mental preparation strategies is a psychological state called 'mental readiness'. Mental readiness emerged from sport psychology and was found to be important for performance improvements of top athletes. However, until now mental readiness has never been used to predict firefighter performance. Thus, the purpose of this study is to examine the relationship between mental readiness dimensions and perceived stress, success and task performance of firefighters. A sample of 68 firefighters was surveyed. The mental readiness dimensions as well as performance and stress issues were measured with the Mental Readiness Scale (MRS). Correlations and multiple regression analyses showed mixed results. Some scales like self-talk and goal setting did not significantly correlate with performance, success or stress of firefighters, whereas other sub scales such as visual imagery, activation and attentional control showed medium to large effects. The results reveal that firefighters benefit differently from the specific mental preparation strategies. Some strategies help firefighters to cope with stress. Other strategies seem to improve task performance and success. The results can be used to design evidence-based mental training programs to improve firefighter's performance and stress reduction.
Crew Resource Management (CRM) is a simulation-based team training that strives to reduce human errors in emergencies and to increase patient safety by improving nontechnical skills. This qualitative study examines the current implementation and effectiveness of medical CRM training in German-speaking countries (Germany and Switzerland). Data was collected through interviews with 20 experts who conduct CRM training in various disciplines and application contexts. The material was analyzed first, using qualitative content analysis, and second, a frequency analysis was conducted. In order to ensure inter-rater reliability, Cohen's kappa was calculated. The results are consistent with research and showed that CRM in German-speaking countries is mainly based on the same principles, and training is conducted similarly. However, CRM is not widespread yet and requires consistent standards. Improvement in behavior in everyday professional life after training sessions have been observed, but no clear evidence of effectiveness on the outcome of the training has been provided to this point. Utilizing this study, German-speaking CRM applicants can compare their training implementation with that of the presented sample. This study is the first to assess the current implementation and effectiveness of CRM in German-speaking countries from the perspective of different disciplines and professions in the medical sector.
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