4.13 Situation Reports (SitReps)

VERSION 1.0 – DECEMBER 2023

Purpose: To provide procedures for SLSQ the State Operations Communications Centre (SurfCom) Operators for the accurate recording of incident Situation Reports (SitReps).

Scope: This procedure applies to all operators at the State Operations Communications Centre (SurfCom).

Procedure:
Situation Reports, most commonly referred to as SitReps, are the primary means used by operational crews to convey information about an incident/event to the SurfCom. It is the responsibility of operational crews to provide timely and accurate SitReps for all response incidents.

Operational crews may provide initial information as they approach an incident, commonly referred to as a ‘windscreen SitRep’. This information may vary and is dependent on the nature of the incident. Such SitReps may include, arrival advice, confirmation of location and a brief visual description of the scene including any confirmed or potential hazards.

A second more detailed SitRep should be provided as soon as practicable and should include the number of actual patients triaged, any additional resource requirements and an indication of transport arrangements. Information relayed via SitRep may vary and is dependent on the nature of the incident being attended.

1. The information includes, but not limited to:
   1.1 Requests for back up, additional resources, transport units and/or Operational Supervisors.
   1.2 Notification of hazardous situations or scene safety issues.
   1.3 Advice regarding the most appropriate safe approach and/or entry points to a scene for any additional responding resources.
   1.4 Requests for assistance from emergency services (Queensland Police Service (QPS), Queensland Fire and Emergency Services (QFES), Queensland Ambulance Service (QAS), or external agencies).
   1.5 The number of people involved and their condition/s.
   1.6 Confirmation of arrival on scene of any back up, allied services or external agencies.
   1.7 Any potential delays or extended on scene times.

2. SitReps are generally conveyed via the radio network, however there are circumstances were operational crews may be required to telephone SurfCom directly, such as:
   2.1 Reduced radio coverage, producing poor or limited radio transmissions that are unreadable.
   2.2 Information within a SITREP that is sensitive and requires some discretion.
   2.3 Paramedics may be busy attending to a patient, (e.g. CPR in progress) and request that a bystander, member of another allied service or external agency contact the SurfCom.

3. Responsibility
   3.1 All SitReps are acknowledged in an appropriate manner using the relevant available technologies.
   3.2 All details provided via the SitRep are accurately and appropriately recorded in LIMSOC.
   3.3 Any requests for additional clinical assistance or backup resources are dispatched in accordance with protocols and procedures provided.
   3.4 When requested, the appropriate allied services and/or external agencies are notified, according to details provided through the SitRep.
   3.5 The Operations Centre Supervisor (OCS) and/or Senior Operator notified should there be any concerns or requests that are deemed outside of normal operations.