Applying lessons from commercial aviation safety and operations to resuscitation

Both commercial aviation and resuscitation are complex activities in which team members must respond to unexpected emergencies in a consistent, high quality manner. Lives are at stake in both activities and the two disciplines have similar leadership structures, standard setting processes, training methods, and operational tools. Commercial aviation crews operate with remarkable consistency and safety, while resuscitation team performance and outcomes are highly variable. This commentary provides the perspective of two physician–pilots showing how commercial aviation training, operations, and safety principles can be adapted to resuscitation team training and performance.