Appendix C: On-scene debrief

An on-scene debrief should be conducted, as soon as is reasonably practicable, after the conclusion of all incidents, preferably on scene and involving all personnel. Other Category 1 or Category 2 responders, for example police or ambulance, or any other responding organisation, can also participate in the debrief and share their perspective on the resolution of the incident.

An on-scene debrief should be considered normal for all incidents, irrespective of whether a further or higher-level debrief is expected to take place.

The incident commander should make notes of discussion points for future reference, which can inform a structured debrief if required. These points will help individuals to reflect on what happened during the incident, particularly in the areas of:

• Individual performance
• Task performance
• Team performance
• Tactics employed and their effectiveness in dealing with the incident
• Hazard and risk identification, and evaluation of the control measures applied
• Organisational learning, in relation to the:
  • Adherence to or application of procedures
  • Performance or deployment of equipment

When resources permit, control room personnel should conduct an incident debrief. If the actions of other agency control rooms affected the course of the incident, they should also be included in the debrief.

A structured debrief should be conducted if any aspect of an event is considered to have had an impact on the health, safety and welfare of the people involved.