Which TeamSTEPPS component emphasizes assisting teammates to maintain safety?

• A. Communication
• B. Leadership
• C. Mutual Support
• D. Situation Monitoring

Answer: (C)

Mutual support focuses on helping teammates maintain safety by providing backup, cross-checking each other’s work, and speaking up when something could compromise patient safety. In TeamSTEPPS, this means team members look out for one another, recognize when someone is overloaded or might be about to make an error, and intervene to prevent harm. For example, if a colleague seems uncertain about a medication dose or a handoff, others step in to verify, clarify, and support the safe completion of the task. This collaborative, safety-first mindset is what makes mutual support the best fit for emphasizing assistance to keep everyone safe.

Communication is about clear information exchange, leadership is about directing and coordinating the team, and situation monitoring is about staying aware of the overall status. While all are important, assisting teammates to maintain safety is the hallmark of mutual support.