When we think of role models for paramedics, the usual suspects are real-life heroes in the medical field or perhaps characters from medical dramas. However, sometimes inspiration can come from unexpected places. Take, for example, Mel Gibson’s portrayal of Lt. Col. Hal Moore in the film “We Were Soldiers,” based on the true story of the Battle of Ia Drang during the Vietnam War. Though a military leader and not a paramedic, Hal Moore embodies traits that are crucial for success in emergency medical services. Let’s explore these key traits and how they translate to a successful career in paramedicine. (if you haven’t seen the movie click here to find it on amazon prime. )
Unflinching Leadership
In the film, Moore leads his troops with a sense of responsibility and unflinching leadership. He’s the first one on the battlefield and the last one off, ensuring that no man is left behind. Similarly, a successful paramedic must be willing to take charge of chaotic scenes, making quick decisions that could mean the difference between life and death.
Emotional Resilience
Moore faces the grim realities of war with emotional resilience, never allowing the stress and horror to deter him from his mission. Ase medics we too encounter emotionally charged situations that require a level head and a resilient spirit. I’ve have never been on a call where the family of a sick or injured are looking for the rescuer to freak out. There are plenty of times where the situation is less than ideal but when cool heads prevail you can figure out the problem faster. Whether it’s a life-threatening injury or a child in distress, emotional resilience helps paramedics provide the best care possible under challenging circumstances. Try not to get sucked into the situation. Be calm and address issues as a they arrive. Everyone on scene will follow your lead, including the family and bystanders.
Teamwork and Communication
Throughout the battle, Moore maintains open lines of communication with his soldiers, knowing that teamwork is essential for survival. You see this in the communication with his troops as well as his family. In paramedicine, effective communication is just as crucial. Paramedics must work seamlessly with other healthcare professionals, from EMTs and nurses to doctors and dispatchers, to ensure the patient receives the best possible care.
Adaptability
Moore adapts his strategies as the battle unfolds, showing a keen ability to think on his feet. In EMS we often find themselves in unpredictable situations that require quick thinking and adaptability. Whether it’s improvising a splint out of available materials or finding a way to extricate a patient from a difficult location, adaptability is a key trait for success.
Dedication to Continuous Learning
Though not explicitly shown in the film, it’s clear that Moore’s effectiveness as a leader comes from a dedication to learning and improvement. Hal studies his enemy and learns from each engagement. Similarly, the medical field is ever-evolving, and to be successful we must commit to continuous learning to stay updated on the latest protocols and techniques.
Compassion and Empathy
Finally, Moore shows deep compassion and empathy for his men, understanding the sacrifices they are making. In the world of EMS, compassion is not just a nice-to-have; it’s a must-have. Patients are often scared and vulnerable, and a successful paramedic must be able to provide not just medical care but also emotional support.
Decision-Making and Situational Awareness: The OODA Loop in Action
One of the most striking moments in “We Were Soldiers” is when Hal Moore employs the OODA Loop—Observe, Orient, Decide, Act—during a critical battle. This decision-making process, originally developed by military strategist John Boyd, is a cycle that emphasizes rapid and fluid responses to changing circumstances. Moore’s adept use of the OODA Loop starkly contrasts with a lieutenant in the film who falls into an ambush due to a lack of situational awareness and poor decision-making.
Observe
Moore is constantly scanning his environment, gathering information to make informed decisions.
Orient
Orientation involves understanding what the observed information means in the context of your objectives. Moore quickly processes the battlefield dynamics to understand his options.
Decide
Based on his observations and orientation, Moore makes swift decisions to adapt his strategies. In paramedicine, quick and accurate decision-making can be the difference between life and death. Whether it’s choosing the right treatment protocol or deciding to transport a patient to a specialized facility, effective decision-making is crucial.
Act
Finally, Moore acts on his decisions immediately, adapting as the situation evolves. Similarly, once a course of action is decided upon in EMS, it needs to be executed with precision and speed.
Conclusion
Whether it’s the unflinching leadership, emotional resilience, or the tactical brilliance demonstrated through the use of the OODA Loop, Hal Moore serves as an unexpected but compelling role model for paramedics. His leadership wasn’t only seen in war but in his home. This can be a challenge in itself. Lt. Col. Hal Moore, the real-life figure portrayed by Mel Gibson in “We Were Soldiers,” had five children. In his memoir, “We Were Soldiers Once… and Young,” co-authored with journalist Joseph L. Galloway, Moore touches on his family life, emphasizing the importance he placed on being a good father and husband in addition to his military responsibilities. While the movie focuses primarily on his military leadership, those who have studied Moore’s life know that he considered his role as a father to be of utmost importance.
The traits and strategies he employs on the battlefield have clear applications in the high-stakes, fast-paced world of emergency medical services. So, the next time you find yourself in a challenging situation, you might just ask yourself: What would Hal Moore do?