Taking Command in the First Moments of Disaster

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 are aware that the situation needs to be monitored continually in order to stay on top of the inevitable dynamics. 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 a synthesis of perception acuity and comprehension? What situational elements have the potential to impact the environment? How dynamic is the situation? How far over the horizon can we see, and do we perceive that we have sufficient resources at this time to address the situation in the future? Essential actions shall be determined by the Incident Commanders and will conform to the incident action plans.

Priorities are to save lives, address basic human needs, and protect the environment and property. Coordination with leaders at all levels of the government will conform to NIMS standards, and will achieve both horizontal and vertical communication and coordination. The SA phases are designed to ensure that we respond rapidly and decisively according to the best available information, and that we think outside the box when experience fails us and also when experience tends to override our natural inclination to go with what we know.

I expect every member of the extended team to function in a self-aware manner with a solid understanding of how their immediate perceptions and established habits influence their judgment and their decision-making. I will press each individual to avoid a perspective that begins with the assumption that the crisis is following a familiar pattern, and that a familiar pattern of response is indicated. I expect each individual to begin with an inquisitive fresh perspective that will help ensure we do not miss any critical information, that we do not.