The Concept of Overcommitment in Rescue Operations: Some Theoretical Aspects Based on Empirical Data.
Air Medical Journal · 2019-01-01 · Qualitative study
Abstract
OBJECTIVE: Studies on Norwegian avalanche rescue operations have indicated high-stake searching of avalanches during elevated risk conditions. We perceive these characteristics as a sign of overcommitment. The purpose of this study is to explore the concept of overcommitment in Norwegian medical evacuation and rescue operations. How can overcommitment be described and understood as a uniform concept in rescue operations based on empirical data? METHODS: In a qualitative, exploratory study, 9 focus group interviews were conducted with a total of 30 crewmembers from the Norwegian air ambulance service. RESULTS: In this first in a series of 2 articles, crewmembers' reflections on the concept of overcommitment, important factors to consider when balancing risk and benefit in every mission, and a number of causal factors are presented. A definition of overcommitment in the context of rescue activities is presented. CONCLUSION: Air ambulance personnel recognize overcommitment in a variety of situations. They broaden the concept to include both regular, everyday actions and hazardous rescue attempts in extraordinary incidents. The causal factors form recognizable constellations that may offer useful starting points for systems-based counteracting measures. The definition of overcommitment could provide a background for evaluation and learning in the rescue service.
Abstract © the authors or publisher, via PubMed. Reuse and removal
Tags
Helicopter & air ambulance · Prehospital physicians · Clinician perspective · Teamwork & human factors
Related articles
- Overcommitment: Management in Helicopter Emergency Medical Services in Norway. (Air Med J, 2019)
- Introducing an on-site Helicopter Emergency Medical Service (HEMS) physician in a Norwegian Emergency Medical Communication Centre: a focus group study on the experiences of operators and physicians. (BMJ Open, 2025)
- A qualitative study to investigate the psychosocial effects of operational deployments on Medical Emergency Response Team personnel. (Stress Health, 2021)
- The Influence of Human Factors Training in Air Rescue Service on Patient Safety in Hospitals: Results of an Online Survey. (Medicines (Basel), 2022)
- Comparison of the HRV of Emergency Physicians in the HEMS During Helicopter Operations: Analysis of Differences as a Function of Number of Operations and Workload. (Appl Psychophysiol Biofeedback, 2020)
- Dogmalysis. (Air Med J, 2023)