What is an after-action review?

An after-action review is a crucial process that allows responders to critically assess and evaluate the effectiveness of their actions following an incident. This systematic review typically occurs after an operation or event and involves gathering participants to discuss what occurred, identifying strengths and weaknesses in the response, and determining lessons learned.

The primary goal of an after-action review is to enhance future performance by capturing insights about what worked well and what did not. This feedback loop is essential for continuous improvement in emergency response and management practices, ensuring that teams can adapt and modify their strategies based on firsthand experiences.

In the context of the other choices, the processes described do not align with the core objectives of an after-action review. Approving new policies or allocating resources focuses on administrative functions rather than evaluation, while a report on public perception touches on opinions rather than operational effectiveness. Thus, the choice that accurately describes the purpose and function of an after-action review is the one indicating that it involves evaluating the effectiveness of the response after an incident.