What does the term "situational awareness" mean for First Responders?

Situational awareness for First Responders is fundamentally about comprehending the environmental elements that influence decision-making during emergencies. This involves being attuned to a variety of factors such as the behavior of individuals involved, the status of the incident, the presence of hazards, and the dynamics of the surroundings. Developing this awareness allows first responders to make informed decisions quickly and effectively, ensuring safety and proper management of the situation.

This understanding extends beyond simply knowing the physical layout of an incident site or recalling past experiences. While knowledge of the site layout and previous responses can aid in decision-making, they do not encapsulate the full scope of situational awareness, which is more dynamic and requires real-time assessment and interpretation of the environment. This enables first responders to adapt their strategies as circumstances evolve and to anticipate potential challenges that may arise during an operation.