Poor situational awareness was the main contributing factor behind near-miss incidents involving firefighters last year, according to a new report.
Human error and poor decision making were also frequently cited as significant reasons.
The statistics form part of the National Fire Fighter Near-Miss Reporting System’s first annual report.
The organization was launched in 2005 to capture details on everyday incidents that occur in fire departments. Last year, 580 reports were submitted by firefighters across the country.
Those sending details can select up to five of 20 contributing factors behind the near-miss incident.
Situational awareness was the most frequently used reason in 2006, followed by human error, decision making, individual action, and training issues.
The report said the three main contributing factors listed last year were also the underpinning components of crew resource management (CRM), which is the practice of effective use of all resources.
“CRM creates a force multiplier for fire department leaders and teams that employ its concepts and principles,” the report said.
“Crews trained in CRM learn skills that enhance communication, maintain situational awareness, strengthen decision making and improve teamwork.
“There are five CRM principles: communication, situational awareness, decision making, teamwork and task allocation.
“Training in the five principles creates a better performing work group and more informed leader. Communication is the key.”
Most of the reported incidents last year involved fire emergencies, while vehicle events and non-fire emergencies also scored highly.
Reporters frequently cited the life-threatening potential of incidents as a compelling reason for filing a report, according to the document.
The reporting system is administered by the International Association of Fire Chiefs in consultation with the National Fire Fighter Near-Miss Reporting System Task Force.
National Fire Fighter Near-Miss Reporting System 2006 annual report