Team Dimensional Training
During training conducted at the Fire Science Institute on November 13 and 14, 2002, Volusia County Fire Services (VCFS) was introduced to a new tool for improving the performance of teams. The new tool is called Team Dimensional Training (TDT) and is the result of a partnership arrangement with Naval Air Systems Command Training Systems Division Orlando (NAVAIR ORL).
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Team Dimensional Training is a product of a research effort conducted by NAVAIR ORL that spanned over 10 years. This effort is known as TADMUS, which stands for Tactical Decision-Making Under Stress. The program was launched in the late 80’s as a result of two tragic incidents at sea. Specifically, a missile struck the USS Stark in 1987, resulting in the deaths of 37 American servicemen. This incident led to a heightened readiness and tension aboard all U. S. military ships operating in the Persian Gulf. In July 1988, with tensions in the area already high, the USS Vincennes, mistakenly believing it was under attack, shot down an Iranian airbus killing all 290 people onboard. The Navy investigation concluded the Commanding Officer had acted properly, given all the information he had received, but noted that stress, task fixation and unconscious distortion of data may have played a significant role in the incident.
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The investigations into these two incidents revealed the need to know more about the behavior of teams and to improve decision making under stress. The TADMUS project was launched and the researchers at NAVAIR ORL began the comprehensive task of studying teams to determine “what makes a team of experts an expert team.” Through observations of highly functioning teams and poorly functioning teams, the researchers were able to identify specific dimensions of effective teamwork.
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Team Dimensional Training incorporates the research findings and focuses on four areas (or dimensions) essential for effective teamwork. These areas are Information Exchange, Communication, Supporting Behavior, and Initiative/Leadership. Each of these four dimensions has been clearly defined and each contains specific sub-elements as shown in the illustration below:
TDT helps team members to diagnose and correct their own performance problems, thereby enabling them to adapt quickly to unfolding events and to learn from and build upon their previous experiences together. The TDT process involves a structured approach, which includes a pre-briefing observation of team performance, a diagnosis of performance and a de-briefing. The pre-brief introduces or reminds the team members of the various team dimension elements and observations of team performance may be made during training exercises or actual incidents. The observations are recorded for use in the debriefing session. Generally, a tactical de-brief is conducted first to clarify and familiarize all team members with the events that took place and to address tactical areas for positive reinforcement and/or improvement. The TDT de-brief does not address tactical issues but focuses the team on the various dimensions of effective teamwork. This process involves self-analysis by the team and is facilitated in a way that allows the team to self-correct problem areas. Goals are set by the team to work on improving problem areas of teamwork.
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The partnership between Volusia County Fire Services and NAVAIR Orlando resulted in the first use of TDT by Fire and EMS First Responders. TDT had been previously used successfully by the military, law enforcement and counter-drug officers, and in the corrections environment. A high quality First Responder handbook was developed which can be reviewed by clicking here*. (pdf format 2.7 mb). TDT will be implemented within VCFS as a standard approach for improving the effectiveness and efficiency of teamwork. This is consistent with our motto: ONE TEAM - ONE MISSION and our goal of developing an empowered workforce. So, expect to see and learn more about TDT in the coming months.
We really enjoyed the experience of working with our new friends at NAVAIR ORL and look forward to working on other innovative projects with them in the future.
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If you do not have one, you may download one for free.
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Volusia County, Florida.
