Incident Command: Making Crucial Decisions

Incident command places immense pressure on your leadership team. Rapid decision-making during an emergency requires cognitive training to avoid biases that may interfere with finding a resolution. Better training and tools, available at American Trade Mark Co., can help your team stay focused and engaged during and after an event.

What Is Cognitive Training?

Cognitive training for first responders makes it easier to process a lot of data and coordinate between multiple agencies. There are several types of cognitive training available for incident managers and responders, including:

Classroom-based instruction covers theoretical topics.
Simulations present realistic scenarios that test participants’ skills.
Gamified training uses badges, command boards, and communication to allow first responders to act out various responses.
Adaptive training enables automated and physical controls to enhance training.

Improve Performance With Decision-Making Tools

Using decision-making tools can help you avoid cognitive biases that can interfere with your team’s performance during an emergency. In high-pressure scenarios, a high level of emotional intelligence can save lives. There are numerous decision-making tools to keep your crew organized before, during, and after an incident response. These tools include the following:

Incident Review Software
Incident Command Boards
Accountability Tags

Incident Review Software Helps Avoid Bias

Investing in the right software can make incident reviews more productive and comprehensive. You must track each emergency response, ensuring all team members understand how to act in critical situations. Design your review process to avoid potential biases, such as these:

Anchoring: This describes focusing on certain information. For example, if the responder decides that a fire was accidental, they may miss minute clues that indicate arson.
Confirmation Bias: If a responder anchors on incorrect data, they may ignore or miss contradictory evidence.
Availability Bias: If a responder weighs certain incidents over others, they can slow down or derail an investigation.
Premature Closure: Once a potential cause or explanation emerges, responders may close an incident without conducting a full analysis.

Track Progress & Stay Informed With Incident Command Boards

Incident command boards make it easier to track progress and keep everyone in the loop. You can use this tool to facilitate resolution. There are numerous types of command boards, but most will include the following elements:

Incident Overview: Identifying information such as the type, location, time, and cause.
Resources: Include all equipment, personnel, and vehicles.
Status: Update the status frequently. Use terms such as escalating, contained, or resolved/extinguished.
Log: Record important related events.
Plan: How will you resolve the incident?

Track Responders With Accountability Tags

Accountability Tags facilitate personnel tracking. Train your crew to “tag in” before entering a structure or event field. The responder returns their tag upon completing a task or exiting the structure. This lets the leadership team know who is working and who is available. Additionally, it can improve team morale and performance.

Contact Us For Essential Incident Command Tools

Accountability and responsibility go hand in hand during a critical event. You can improve your team dynamics with cognitive training to mentally prepare for an emergency. Contact American Trade Mark Co. today to purchase accountability tags and command boards and improve your incident command procedures.