What should be the focus during a post-incident review?

The focus during a post-incident review should be on evaluating performance and identifying areas for improvement. This process is crucial for enhancing future responses and operational effectiveness. By assessing what worked well and what did not, fire and rescue teams can develop strategies to address weaknesses and reinforce strengths. This perspective fosters a culture of continuous improvement, professional development, and teamwork.

Investigating performance allows teams to glean insights into decision-making processes, communication effectiveness, and operational coordination during the incident. The goal is not only to enhance individual skills but also to improve team dynamics and overall preparedness for future responses.

In contrast to assigning blame, which can create a hostile environment and inhibit candid discussions, the emphasis on evaluation promotes an atmosphere of learning and growth. Disregarding past strategies or solely focusing on equipment failures does not address the broader spectrum of factors that contribute to successful incident management, thereby undermining potential lessons that could be learned from the experience. Therefore, focusing on performance evaluation and improvement is essential for the advancement of the team's effectiveness and resilience.