Every emergency scene operation should begin with determining the mission (sometimes called strategy) and setting task-level goals (sometimes called tactics). Strategy and tactics establish what is to be done and how it is to be done. For example, at a structure fire, arriving responders are trained to conduct search and rescue operations and to extinguish […]
Mission Myopia: A situational awareness barrier Read More »
I want your video testimonials! Send me a 2 minute video clip providing your testimonial about SAMatters! If I use your clip on my website, I will send you a free copy of Situational Awareness Matters Volume 1 eBook. Your testimonial can reference any SAMatters message. Below are some examples:
All print book and video orders placed will now receive this 2×2″ Situational Awareness Matters helmet/locker/window decal for FREE. (while supplies last). Note: You may also purchase the decal for $2.99 in the SAMatters store and shipping is free. (CLICK HERE to visit the store). All proceeds from all product sales are reinvested into the
Cool New SAMatters Helmet Decal Read More »
While conducting research on how decisions are made during high consequence events I came across a term I’d never heard before – “tacit knowledge.” Once I learned what it was it quickly became evident that I possessed it… and I didn’t know it. In fact, every first responder who has developed expert-level knowledge and skills
Tacit knowledge and situational awareness Read More »
Noise can erode situational awareness in many ways. Loud noises, soft noises, lots of noise, odd noises, familiar noises, annoying noises… all noise can present challenges. In this article, I want to explore some of the challenges first responders face in a noisy environment and I’d like to share my personal example of how noise
Station Alerting Noise Can Impact Situational Awareness Read More »
I seem to be getting asked a lot lately about what the first arriving company officer should do at a working structure fire. Specifically, the debate revolves around two basic premise. Should the first arriving company officer assume a fixed command position outside the structure and coordinate the activities of incoming units? Or, should the
Working Command and Situational Awareness Read More »
I would like to extend my sincere congratulations to Indianapolis firefighter Patrick Harper on his graduation from Franklin University with a Bachelor of Science degree in Public Safety Management. In addition to graduating Summa Cum Laude, Patrick has also been invited into the Leader Scholar Society, an organization “comprised of students who have achieved the highest
Congratulations Patrick Harper Read More »
Last month I wrote a piece on the traits of high reliability organizations (HROs) and received a lot of very positive feedback. Thank you! This article will focus on the processes used by HROs. These processes definitely provide some valuable lessons for public safety agencies. Compare your organization and see if you may find some
High Reliability Organizations – Processes Read More »
A free Situational Awareness conference call was held on Tuesday, June 19, 2012 (during International Fire/EMS Safety & Health Week). Thank you to Tiger Schmittendorf (Erie County, New York), Ryan Pennington (Charleston, West Virginia) and Will Ball (Williamsport, Maryland) for being my guests panelists as we took caller questions and discussed topics that included:
Situational Awareness Conference Call Read More »
Thank you so much to the more than 500 organizations, associations, conference organizers, meeting planners and publishers who have provided me with an opportunity to delivery my message or consult to improve safety and leadership. Nearly all of my business comes from word of mouth referrals from satisfied clients. This ensures I work hard to
