OPERATIONAL “HOT” DEBRIEFS

INCIDENT ON SITE DEBRIEFING GUIDELINES
Many tasks must be completed following a major incident involving a rescue, first aid or resuscitation. These tasks are collectively referred to a ‘debriefing.’ There are many purposes for debriefing, and the style of the process will vary with every case can be determined locally. Certain aspects, however, must be considered, even if only briefly.

A Lifesaving incident debriefing session generally requires you to:

• Assess the reaction and welfare of the lifesavers and all others involved. The Parol Captain may need to run a debriefing session with those involved in the incident. Every effort should be made to not “blame” anyone, just find the facts and how it could be done better next time.
• Look for: What happened? What we planned? What we did? How we did it? How would we do it better? What we need to do now to be better prepared next time?
• Review the effectiveness of all procedures carried out and make and recommendations, where appropriate, on the lessons learned and what could have been done better. (police, ambulance service, etc)
• Assistance is available to Surf Life Saving members involved in an incident through the Peer Support Program if they are having trouble processing the incident or just need to talk through the incident with another service. As part of the debriefing process this needs to be offered and how to activate this service.
• The Patrol Captain should consider making a note about the debrief and any outcomes from the incident that can be passed onto the Club Captain or other relevant personnel.
• In some cases, if media do attend the incident, it must be referred to the Duty Officer as the spokesperson for Surf Life Saving Queensland.
  

Operational Debriefs
Refer to the Operational Incident Debriefing Guide.

Important points to remember:

• Be vigilant of the need for peer group counselling among anyone involved with the incident. This service should always be offered after an incident regardless of how small it might be.
• Take notes during a debriefing session because they may be needed at a later stage. This information can be provided to your Surf Club to store or to the SOCC.
• If further assistance is needed, contact the Duty Officer for assistance or the SOCC.
  

Flowchart: Please refer to the Hot Debrief Flowchart