Simply put, Crew Resource Management is the effective use of all resources. The Federal Aviation Administration’s Advisory Rule expands the definition to include software, hardware and humanware in its definition. The ultimate goal for the FAA is achieving safe and efficient flight operations. Their specific listing of software, hardware and humanware is meant to emphasize the point that problem solving involves using all available tools.
CRM is not an attempt to undermine the legal ranking fire officer’s authority. Nor is CRM management by committee. Tom Lubnau and Randy Okray observed that CRM is a “force multiplier.”3 In fact authority should be enhanced through the use of CRM. All team members direct information flow to the officer. While opinions are valid, the final decision on a course of action still rests with the officer. Using CRM provides for:
★ better teamwork
★ newly acquired communication and problem
solving skills
★ an operating philosophy that promotes team
member input while preserving legal authority
★ proactive accident prevention.