Disaster First Responder
From: Commander, First Responders
Re: Disaster Event
Using a Situational Awareness framework, we need to ensure NO gaps exist in the following categories. If we don't have the information, then we can assume that the missing information may be critical to a good decision. While maximizing expediency, we must put forth sufficient effort to fill as many gaps with high-level information as possible -- in the shortest time possible. Recall that, "Studies found that 76% of SA errors in pilots could be traced to problems in perception of needed information" (Endsley, 1997, p. 3). Keep in mind that an inaccurate assessment at this stage increases the odds of an erroneous mental schema.
All critical objectives will be mapped to the activation plan and my command. All of the SA phases listed below must be considered cyclic as we respond to changes and as new information is discovered.
SA -- Perception
I need to know everything we understand about the surroundings that is from direct observation and surface identification, familiar scenarios, and inconsistencies of familiar scenarios. Provide detail about any aspect of the situation that requires immediate investigation or typifies a scenario to which we have previously responded. We...
I need to know which units from other agencies have deployed and which units stand ready to respond. To this end, all incident monitoring and critical information must be coordinated through the reporting channels according to protocol. This phase is crucial for accurate identification of the situation and for prioritizing elements of our response. Command will determine the incident objectives based on rapid synthesis of the all information gathered and from the continued flow of information.
SA -- Recognition
Provide any information you have about the relationship of the elements that have been identified in the current situation. Highlight how level 1 perception affects the objective -- that is, what is the risk vs. reward relationship? Our objective is to convert our perception into comprehension -- what is the significance of the elements of the current disaster? I need to know the scope of known information and unknown information. I need to know which resources are in play and what resources are available should our analysis point to the need for more support.
SA -- Projection
What information do we have or can we rapidly obtain that will promote…
