Public Safety Standard Operating Procedures

PSS 13.2 Critical Incident Debriefing

Purpose

To outline relevant procedures/processes to enable consistent and structured delivery of an operational debrief following a critical incident.

Procedure

Why should an operational debrief be undertaken following a critical incident?

An operational debrief is undertaken to ensure that:

  1. Environmental conditions are noted, and the nature of the incident is agreed.
  2. What went well during the incident is highlighted and reinforced.
  3. What could have been done better is discussed and noted for suggested changes to local beach tactics or patrol operations generally.
  4. As a precursor to discussions on support options available to the members involved (see” PSS13.3 Member Welfare – Critical Incidents”:https://www.manula.com/manuals/slsnsw/pssops/jul.2023/en/topic/pss-12-3-member-welfare-critical-incidents).

What incidents require an operational debrief?

Duty Officers’ attendance to the scene and operational debriefs are compulsory in any event where members are involved in an incident response. Examples of when a Duty Officer will be required to conduct an operational debrief include:

Incidents involving death of a patient Major injury with hospitalisation
CPR Major rescues
Drowning Severe trauma
Failure to save a life Abuse
Shark attacks Aggressive Behaviour
A member of SLS is seriously injured Heart Attack
Severe asthma attacks

When/where should the operational debrief be undertaken?

An operational debrief at Surf Life Saving is often conducted directly after the conclusion of the incident. This captures the best recollections and information from the incident and allows members to receive information about welfare and support immediately post-incident.

It should be conducted in a private and secure location isolated from any media or public interference with no thoroughfare. Ideally the location will have access to a whiteboard or notepaper for collection of feedback and have access to chairs, tables and water for participants – the Surf Life Saving Club is often ideal.

Who should deliver/lead the operational debrief?

A Duty Officer should lead every operational debrief following a critical incident as part of the incident Recovery Phase. If a Duty Officer is not available an appropriate Branch Representative should be tasked to deliver the debrief.

Who should attend?

All Surf Life Saving personnel who were involved in the incident should attend, regardless of the level of involvement. Any personnel not in attendance should be recorded in the debrief form and followed up by the Duty Officer or Branch Representative.

What information needs to be recorded and retained?

  • The Critical incident Log (detailed in _PSS13.3, Member Welfare – Critical Incidents) must be completed and provided to the SOC.
  • If the incident occurred on patrol, a copy of the Patrol Log and Incident Report Log must be completed in full by the patrol, copied and handed to the Duty Officer. Photographs of these logs is recommended.
  • In certain circumstances, the completion of Member Statement Forms may be requested by the SOC.
  • In the case of member injury during a critical incident, WorkCover forms can be obtained in the membership section of the SLSNSW Website. (Workers Compensation – Surf Life Saving NSW)

NOTE: ALL paperwork must be sent to the Branch Director of Lifesaving and SOC within 12 hours after incident.

Reference

_PSS13.3 Member Welfare – Critical Incidents

Last modified: 01/11/23