Chapter 11 Flashcards
A means to reconstruct events and assess how the fire department performed at an incident. The outcome should be improvement of operations
Incident critique
Many departments have replaced the term critique with
Post incident analysis
_____ is another term that is used to identify immediate after action discussions
Hot wash
The _____ critique (or tailgate) is for a company or multiple companies. The aim is to review the actions taken and their impact on the overall operation. This review can take place at the incident scene, the kitchen table in the firehouse, or any convenient location
Informal critique
A ____ critique should be held after most major emergencies or significant events
Formal critique
A critique can be successful only if
An open environment is created and the participants are encouraged to be forthcoming in their observations
The critique can conclude with
The fire marshals finding on origin and cause
_____ is an important method in firefighters seeking self improvement
self critique
Critical analysis starts with
You being truthful with yourself
Commanding officers should place mistakes or errors into 2 categories
Those of commission and those of omission
A mistake taken by initiative can’t be compared to one who stood by and did nothing
A written final report of the critiques findings should be shared. The report can be divided into 3 sections
Section 1: a narrative account describing conditions, problems encountered, life safety considerations, and fire department actions
Section 2: a review of specific areas. Should start with vital statistics of the incident: date, weather, times, dispatch numbers, specific location, who responded, injuries and other pertinent information. Followed by addressing each area of assignment.
Section 3: should be lessons learned. Written in a positive way
Stress experienced by firefighters exposed to traumatic incidents
Critical incident stress
A major source of stress comes from the many emotional occurrences confronting firefighters at incident scenes
Stress occurs when critical decisions have to be made in a short period of time
Some immediate indicators of stress are
Shaking or trembling
Loss of coordination
Blurred vision
Respiratory problems
Confusion
Shock
Disorientation
Frustration
Some recommended incident procedures to alleviate stress are to
- Schedule 5 minute breaks for units as often as possible
- Rotate personnel
- Provide rehab area with hot and cold drinks
- Have firefighters medically screen by EMS personnel or a physician
