In reading casualty reports you will often see issues related to communications as a contributing factor. Miscommunications, lack of communications or too much radio traffic (to include overloaded radio channels) are often cited. It is the last of these issues I want to address. There is an inherent cognitive consequence from too much communications that […]
Communications Overload Impacts Situational Awareness Read More »
This episode explores the challenges of how complex communications can impact situational awareness. Length: 24 minutes click the YouTube icon to listen _____________________________________________________ If you are interested in taking your understanding of situational awareness and high-risk decision making to a higher level, check out the Situational Awareness Matters Online Academy. CLICK HERE for details,
Episode 174 | Complex Communications Read More »
During a recent Flawed Situational awareness program, I engaged the class in a discussion of what the actions of the first-in officer should be once the decision is made to be offensive/interior. The choices were: a.) Make entry with the crew; b.) Establish a fixed command position outside and send the crew in without the
Actions of the first-in officer Read More »
This is going to be, admittedly, an uncomfortable read for some. But, nonetheless it is a conversation we need to have. I need to discuss the “F” word. No, not THAT “F” word. The “F” word that is more dreaded than the F-bomb – Fear. Many first responders enjoy discussing fear as much as they
Explanations for Situational Awareness Insanity – Part 5 Read More »
This article continues the series focusing on the seemingly-insane things that some first responders do while operating in high-stress, high-consequence environments. Oftentimes, the individuals trying to make sense of these behaviors are quick to judge those on the sharp of the decision by saying things like: “They weren’t paying attention?” or “How could they
Explanations for Situational Awareness Insanity – Part 4 Read More »
In this episode I sat down for an interview with West Metro Division Chief Dan Pfannenstiel to discuss a near-miss that occurred at a residential dwelling fire. This is part two of a two-part interview so if you have not yet, be sure to listen to episode 118 for the set-up to the lessons
Episode 119 | Interview with West Metro Division Chief Dan Pfannenstiel – Part 2 Read More »
In this episode, I sat down for an interview with West Metro Division Chief Dan Pfannenstiel to discuss a near-miss that occurred at a residential dwelling fire. This is part one of a two-part interview so be sure to also listen to episode 119 for the lessons learned. Length: 51 minutes Click the YouTube
Episode 118 | Interview with West Metro Division Chief Dan Pfannenstiel – Part 1 Read More »
A frequent contributing factor in firefighter casualty incidents is too much radio traffic. This can have a significant impact on first responder situational awareness because it becomes near impossible to take in, process, comprehend and remember the volumes of information being transmitted over the radio when communication is not disciplined. This article explores some of
In this episode I share 19 ways that communications issues can impact Situational Awareness. Length: 37 minutes click the YouTube icon to listen _____________________________________________________ If you are interested in taking your understanding of situational awareness and high-risk decision making to a higher level, check out the Situational Awareness Matters
Episode 111 | 19 Ways Communications can Impact Situational Awareness Read More »
I was invited to be an observer at a regional police tactical training exercise. The program was a multi-day event, starting with some classroom training and culminating in a series of simulations using mock weapons, flash-bangs and actors. The one thing that readily stood out to me was the tactical teams were not using radios
Radio Communications is Essential to Situational Awareness Read More »
