Sunday, September 14, 2008
If we are to conduct good company briefings, and we know we should, it must be quick. Good briefings help to raise the SA (situational awareness) of all personnel, which reduces stress, which allows for better decision making, which ultimately leads to the proper amount of risk being taken.
A quick and simple briefing cannot cover everything, the key is to use a format that becomes second nature and use it at every opportunity. When all members use a standardized briefing format the critical information stands an improved chance of being passed on and understood by others. This helps to manage risk by recognizing hazards and then placing mitigation measures into effect.
A 5-step briefing format is used. Remember it is just the critical information you are conveying. If practiced and used on all incidents and trainings, officers and firefighters should be able to touch on the five highlights in as little as 30 seconds. This is a skill that must be mastered by all firefighters regardless of rank. If more time is available, it can be used to facilitate a more thorough briefing.
