Recording decisions at incidents PN 828

Question 1

When is it necessary for IC or other operational officers to record the decisions made and provide rationale for why certain actions were taken or not taken?

Answer 1

When the actions carried out deviate from the brigade’s SOP or at incidents when an inquiry or inquest is anticipated.

Question 2

Name two automated systems that keep a record of incidents?

Answer 2

IMS (Incident management system) and BOSS (Browser of System Status)

Question 3

If a signed or witnessed written statement is required, who could support the creation of these?

Answer 3

FIT or the Police

Question 4

When would you make contemporaneous notes?

Answer 4

Either at the time of the incident or as soon as practicable (within 24 hours)

Question 5

What should contemporaneous notes contain?

Answer 5

A factual account of actions taken and what has been observed and heard.

Question 6

What is a decision log?

Answer 6

A record of the circumstances or rationale for why certain decisions were made.

Question 7

How do you create a decision log?

Answer 7

Either a handwritten document or using the CSS on board a Command Unit.

Question 8

Would you create a decision log if your actions don’t amend or change current operational procedures?

Answer 8

Only if the decision had a significant impact on members of the public or other services ie long term closure of a road or railway, or evacuation of nearby properties.

Question 9

Would you create a decision log if your decision lead to actions not covered by operational procedures?

Answer 9

Yes. eg You decided to place the bridgehead one floor below the fire floor.

Question 10

If your decision doesn’t add additional risk to personnel and meets requirements of operational procedure then what sort of log can be created?

Answer 10

A simple written log.

Question 11

What is a Key Decision Log?

Answer 11

When a decision is made to carry out actions that amend or change a current operational procedure.

Question 12

If the Command Unit is not in attendance how should you record a Key Decision Log?

Answer 12

Record the decision on a KDL form, a pad of these are kept on all pumping appliances.

Question 13

What is CSS and where is it found?

Answer 13

It is the Command Support System (computer program) and can be accessed on a Command Unit.

Question 14

If in doubt about what kind of record is required for a decision what should you do?

Answer 14

Use a KDL.

Question 15

When should you record a Key decision?

Answer 15

As soon as reasonably practicable either on a form or using the CSS on a Command Unit

Question 16

To assist with the recording process what could the IC do?

Answer 16

Consider nominating a loggist

Question 17

When would you complete the Risk Ranking Matrix?

Answer 17

Whenever a KDL is completed

Question 18

Can Sector Commanders or Ops Commanders make Key Decisions?

Answer 18

Yes, a loggist may be needed and IC must be informed.

Question 19

If the sector commander feels it necessary to work outside of operational procedure and wants to complete a KDL, can the IC stop the proposed activity?

Answer 19

Yes if the IC feels the risk outweighs the benefit. The decision not to proceed should be recorded on a KDL

Question 20

Where do individual contemporaneous notes get kept?

Answer 20

Kept by the individual

Question 21

Where are handwritten KDLs retained?

Answer 21

At station (send copy to Brigades Operations, Prevention and Response Department Admin at HQ)

Question 22

Where are incident related records kept?

Answer 22

Kept at station for 3 years then sent to record center at HQ for storage