Recording decisions at incidents PN 828 Flashcards
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?
When the actions carried out deviate from the brigade’s SOP or at incidents when an inquiry or inquest is anticipated.
Name two automated systems that keep a record of incidents?
IMS (Incident management system) and BOSS (Browser of System Status)
If a signed or witnessed written statement is required, who could support the creation of these?
FIT or the Police
When would you make contemporaneous notes?
Either at the time of the incident or as soon as practicable (within 24 hours)
What should contemporaneous notes contain?
A factual account of actions taken and what has been observed and heard.
What is a decision log?
A record of the circumstances or rationale for why certain decisions were made.
How do you create a decision log?
Either a handwritten document or using the CSS on board a Command Unit.
Would you create a decision log if your actions don’t amend or change current operational procedures?
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.
Would you create a decision log if your decision lead to actions not covered by operational procedures?
Yes. eg You decided to place the bridgehead one floor below the fire floor.
If your decision doesn’t add additional risk to personnel and meets requirements of operational procedure then what sort of log can be created?
A simple written log.
What is a Key Decision Log?
When a decision is made to carry out actions that amend or change a current operational procedure.
If the Command Unit is not in attendance how should you record a Key Decision Log?
Record the decision on a KDL form, a pad of these are kept on all pumping appliances.
What is CSS and where is it found?
It is the Command Support System (computer program) and can be accessed on a Command Unit.
If in doubt about what kind of record is required for a decision what should you do?
Use a KDL.
When should you record a Key decision?
As soon as reasonably practicable either on a form or using the CSS on a Command Unit
To assist with the recording process what could the IC do?
Consider nominating a loggist
When would you complete the Risk Ranking Matrix?
Whenever a KDL is completed
Can Sector Commanders or Ops Commanders make Key Decisions?
Yes, a loggist may be needed and IC must be informed.
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?
Yes if the IC feels the risk outweighs the benefit. The decision not to proceed should be recorded on a KDL
Where do individual contemporaneous notes get kept?
Kept by the individual
Where are handwritten KDLs retained?
At station (send copy to Brigades Operations, Prevention and Response Department Admin at HQ)
Where are incident related records kept?
Kept at station for 3 years then sent to record center at HQ for storage
