Yes Doc, I'm sorry, I didn't really mean to give the impression that
consultants (generally) are better than SpRs (generally) at leading trauma
resus, and perhaps I worded it badly. I simply meant that individuals do get
better with experience, and, in particular, individual SpRs (in A&E) get
considerably better after they've become consultants. Of course learning
curves can fall as well as rise...!
Adrian Fogarty
----- Original Message -----
From: "Doc Holiday" <[log in to unmask]>
To: <[log in to unmask]>
Sent: Tuesday, December 04, 2001 3:40 PM
Subject: Re: ACEM position on merit badges
> Although I would have to agree that most skills improve with
> time/experience/practice, I do not agree with the stated difference
between
> consultants and SpRs on leadership at trauma team activities. I do NOT
> intend to imply here that SpRs are better at it either - I think that
would
> be as inaccurate as stating that you can "only really get good after
you've
> become a consultant".
>
> I have only a decade and a bit of experience in trauma team work, both as
> member of and as leader of... I have seen SpRs take the lead over other
SpRs
> with great sensitivity and skill (and assumed that this would be one of
the
> numerous skills the accomplishment of which will allow them to become a
> consultant!)
>
> I am sure most of us will admit knowledge of episodes of consultants
having
> a problem leading a trauma team, even if there were only SpRs and or
Juniors
> in it.
>
> I have personally had AND heard of AND witnessed trauma team
resuscitations
> where the team leader SpR (usually A&E) has had problems only with a
> consultant from another specialty who was involved, not from the other
SpRs!
> This can easily happen in, say, disaster situations, when consultants
> otherwise unused to trauma team work attend in A&E and join teams led by
> SpRs in A&E.
>
> We all know of RTOs who would have no problems leading a resus team (not
> trauma because they're not allowed) should it contain a whole handful of
> SpRs, consultants and/or others!
>
> I think it should be considered a credit to our system (and we all know it
> could use some) that it does allow SpRs, especially in A&E, to develop
> consultant-level skills before "ascending to the throne". Most of this
> credit will, logically, be placed at the door of the consultants who train
> them and provide these opportunities.
>
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