Line in the Sand: An Approach to Help Develop Critical Thinking Skills and Treatment Decision Making

Performing invasive skills and administering live-saving drugs are both ingrained in the training and education of critical care transport providers. But how do we come to the decision as to when, or how, or IF we should perform these interventions? It's time to elevate how we train to critically think about how to treat a patient! Transport providers need to factor in the location as to where we provide care, the experience of the provider, the equipment available. These are just some of the variables we navigate through. Our ability to make decisions factoring in the variables is paramount in providing the best patient care.

Having a “line in the sand” is an effective way to assist in decision making and critical thinking in high stress situations. The discussion will begin by understanding critical thinking and defining a “line in the sand". Next, how crucial a “line” can be in making decisions. How taking the time to develop this skill of making a “line in the sand” can improve your patient outcomes. Finally, we will close with how adjusting your “lines” with changing internal and external factors throughout your career will help you to grow professionally as a clinician.