Critical_Incident_Management

Critical Incident Management Sony L. Ransom CJA/560 Professor: Erick Burks August 19, 2012 Abstract When it comes to responding to a critical incident some form of preparation is needed to form emergency management to deal with emergency situations. Being prepared is the key in organizations response, mitigation, and recovery efforts. In these days and times, we are faced with many critical incidents involving responders from different disciplines, agencies, and jurisdictions. It is critical that when emergency assistance is needed each of them share the same goals. A positive less severe outcome is determined by how well responders provide effective and efficient assistance to emergencies. In order to reach this goal, organizations must go through a preparedness phase first. Preparedness places the emphasis on developing a sound management plan. A sound management plan includes flexibility as well as adaptability. Without the two elements it would be difficult to respond to emergencies without delays. Planning, communication/information, cooperation, training, and preparedness are all elements that make up an organized disciplined response team. All organizational, jurisdictional, and disciplinary members should be equipped in all areas to handle natural and manmade disasters. Scenario-planning fosters cooperation making a better understanding of roles in the response efforts. Planning In Critical Incident Management Critical incidents are highly stressful situations and in many cases unexpected. They are considered traumatic events that occur in or outside of any organization or institutions environment. Critical incident management involve: workplace shootings, construction site accidents, employee suicides, bank robbery, plane crashes, major earthquakes, hurricanes, or any incidents that is witnessed that produces intensive emotional response from a traumatic event. (Moynihan, 2011). The September 11, 2001 attack on U.S soil disclosed the breakdown of communication that was blamed for the deaths firefighters that perished at the World Trade Center. The attack highlighted the need for critical incident management. Immediately afterwards, conflict occurred between emergency responders over authority and direction of recovery. Everyone seemed to not be on the same page which may have caused a delay in rescue efforts. To ensure an effective emergency response everyone must be on the same page. Although emergency responders may have different responsibilities they must all share the same goal. Having the same goals will ensure response and recovery efforts are successful. (Robertson, 2006). Strategic management, planning, and preparation are equally important to operational and tactical elements. Joint agencies illustrating critical incident management is critical for responses to natural and manmade disasters at the federal level. The devastation brought on after September 11th revealed how underprepared federal emergency teams were responding to incidents on a large scale. Critical incidents such as this can be minimized through scenario-based planning. (Robertson, 2006). Scenario-Based Planning The occurrence of critical incidences can be minimized by applying scenario-based planning. Referred to as scenario thinking, when applied can manage sudden and unexpected occurrences that threatens an organization. To better assess the risk faced by organizations now and in the future, scenario-planning help expose the probability of loss characteristics of various exposures to risk. This exposure analysis is effectively carried out by using scenarios. Scenarios are events or conditions that direct organizations on how to respond and recover from critical incidents. Scenario planning gives organizations the ability to develop an all-hazard plan, making them prepared for any critical incident natural or manmade in nature. Many lessons were learned from the devastation in New Orleans that left hundreds without resources to survive and recover from. Communication systems were down and a shortage of boats and helicopters delayed recovery efforts. The hurricane in New Orleans reflected deficiencies in emergency response efforts. Therefore, an effective plan must always be utilized to improve coordination between public and private entities. (Schafer, J. A. Ed., 2007). Scenario planning are important tools that help strengthen preparedness through organizational policy, procedures, and training. Scenario planning allows organizations to see their flaws in responding to emergencies. Scenario-based training has been incorporated into law enforcement training for years. Scenarios allow officers to control and minimize routine incidents such as, in hostage situations, suicide threats, and restraining uncontrollable subjects. . Advancements in technology have also enabled scenario training to be extended to identify personality and temperament qualities. Observation of candidates suspected of manmade incidents is critical in minimizing loss. (Schafer, J. A. Ed., 2007). Policies derived from scenario-planning have ensured needed services are delivered in a timely sufficient manner. Scenario-policies enable organizations to solve any problems involving threats to safety, personnel, and financial security. More importantly, scenarios are responsible for saving many lives and reducing loss by preplanning. Proper planning would be used to reduce the effect of critical incidences and recommend the most effective way to adhere to them in case it arises. (Laudicina, Petersen, Gotts, 2012). References: Schafer, J. A. Ed. (2007). Policing 2020: “Exploring the future of Crime.” Retrieved from: www.policefuturists.org/pdf/Policing2020.pdf Robertson, D. (2006). Critical Incident Preparedness: “What You Need to Know to Be Ready.” Retrieved from: www.nywea.org/clearwaters/06-4-winter/06-Preparedness.pdf Laudicina, P.A., Petersen, E., Gotts, J. (2012). Scenario-Based Strategic Planning in Times of Tumultuous Change. Retrieved from: www.atkearney.com/index.php/Publications/scenario-based... Moynihan, D. (2011). Critical Incidents in the Operating Suite. Retrieved from: www.vpng.org.au/docs/presentations_crit-ins.pdf