Ensuring Safety Post-Incident: Demobilization, Analysis & Stress Management

1. Postincident Safety Management Chapter 8 8-1

2. Learning Objectives • List the safety and health consideration when terminating an incident. • Describe the demobilization process. • Compare the concepts of first in/last out with first in/first out. • Explain the need and the process used for postincident analysis. Cont. 8-2

3. Learning Objectives • List the components of a postincident analysis. • Describe the advantages of a critical incident stress management program. • List the key components in a critical incident stress management program. 8-3

4. Introduction • Postincident safety and health can be overlooked if not integrated into the total safety and health program • Responders tend to let their guard down after the incident is over • Safety during this phase should be emphasized and committed to as part of the program • Firefighter Life Safety Initiative 13 is the focus for this chapter 8-4

5. Incident Termination • Demobilization • Evaluate the on-scene resources • Compare resources with the current situation • First-in/last-out • Standardized apparatus and equipment • Fresh crews • Check equipment and stock after a call Cont. 8-5

6. Incident Termination • Returning to station • Injuries do occur • First chance to discuss incident • Supervisor should be alert for signs of fatigue • Check responders after incidents • Ensure well being 8-6

7. Postincident Analysis • Components the PIA should focus on: • Resources • Procedures • Equipment • Operational effectiveness • Informal discussion • Formal discussion • Direct relationship between PIA, SOPS, training, and operations 8-7

8. Relationship of PIA, SOPs, Training, and Operations 8-8

9. Critical Incident Stress Management • CISM team characteristics • Regionalization • A mental health professional as a team member • Nonpartisan • Received appropriate training in CISM • Confidentiality and relative anonymity are vital elements Cont. 8-9

10. Critical Incident Stress Management • CISM process • Peer defusing • Formal debriefing • On-site defusing • Demobilization • Necessary component • Safety and health programs 8-10

11. Summary • Do not overlook safety and health after the incident • Hazards at the scene • Personal stress management • Postincident analysis (PIA) • Critical incident stress management (CISM) • All personnel must be aware of available CISM programs • Many essential safety and health program functions occur after the incident itself 8-11