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What a Good Briefing Will Cover

 

Introduction

Affect Them With Intent
"Communicating Intent and Imparting Presence" by Lt. Col. Lawrence G. Shattuck
What a Good Briefing Will Cover
Tips for the Timid and the Bold
Ten Commandments of Good Listening

The Five Communication Responsibilities for all firefighters are:

  • Brief others as needed
  • Debrief your actions
  • Communicate hazards to others
  • Acknowledge messages
  • Ask if you don't know.

Some briefings lack enough information, other briefings provide too much information. Somewhere in between is what most of us are looking for: a useful briefing. How often should briefings be given? The answer is: as often as they are needed.

Briefings are to be given whenever there is a change in the situation or incident that affects strategy, tactics or assigned resources. The elements of a proper briefing can be located on the inside back cover of the National Wildfire Coordination Group (NWCG) Incident Response Pocket Guide (PMS #461; NFES #1077). A proper briefing should include:

- SITUATION: an overall picture of the situation/incident so those being briefed have a general idea of what is going on. After the big picture, focus in on where and how those being briefed fit in. Using maps or terrain models scraped together on the ground will help provide a clearer perception of the situation.

- MISSION/EXECUTION: the portion of the briefing where chain of command is explained; Leader's Intent is delivered; specific assignments and tactics are given; and contingencies are proposed.

- COMMUNICATION: where the Communication Plan and Medical Plan are explained. The methods, channels and frequencies being utilized for receiving and passing information to other resources on the incident. How often personnel should check-in and provide updates. The critical times for information delivery such as weather updates and resource needs for the next shift. What to do in the event of an emergency, what protocols to follow in the event of an accident or injury.

- SERVICE/SUPPORT: what other resources are on the incident, and how they might be accessed if needed. This portion would also include how to get supplies, equipment, or transportation.

- RISK MANAGEMENT: a discussion of what known and potential hazards may exist in the work environment, methods to communicate those hazards to others, and whether to AVOID, MITIGATE or ELIMINATE the hazard. This is also the portion of the briefing where LCES - Lookouts, Communication, Escape Route(s) and Safety Zone(s) - would be addressed, as well as any identified trigger points.

- QUESTIONS OR CONCERNS: every briefing should be concluded with an opportunity for feedback from those who have been briefed. Questions about assignments can be asked and answered, concerns that the leader didn't realize or understand can be expressed, and perceptions can be brought more in line with reality. Remember your Standard Firefighting Orders includes: Give clear instructions and be sure they are understood.

 

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LEADERSHIP TOOLBOX REFERENCE
June 2003

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