Post-Incident Activities

Scope

This Operational Guideline outlines activities occurring after the end of an incident or on return to the station.

Fundamental Protocols underpin the actions of all NSW Rural Fire Service (RFS) members and must be adhered to at all times. They outline the Principles of being an RFS member and provide guidance on conduct to support the safety and wellbeing of members.

Guiding Principles

• After completing operations at an incident:
  • All appliances and equipment used should be cleaned, checked and re-stowed.
  • Personal protective clothing and equipment (PPC/PPE) should be cleaned in accordance with manufacturer’s instructions.
  • Water, foam, vehicle fuel, pump fuel, chain saw fuel/oil, and drip torch fuel tanks and containers should be checked and replenished.
  • Any damaged, unserviceable, depleted, or worn-out equipment (including PPC/PPE) should be appropriately tagged/marked and replaced.
  • An After Action Review (AAR) with the crew should be conducted, including discussion of procedures and equipment used; performance of the crew; and any equipment, procedural, training, or maintenance needs that were identified.
  • All firefighter injuries or safety incidents are to be reported in accordance with RFS Work Health and Safety (WHS) procedures. The Officer in Charge (OIC), if possible, should take action to prevent a recurrence, and recommend in the form what action needs to be taken.
  • Any damage to equipment during the incident should be reported.
  • Complete Post Incident Reporting.

Special Considerations

• For members attending a Potentially Traumatic Event (PTE), consider engagement with the Mental Health Services Team and Critical Incident Support Services (CISS) following the incident.
• Depleted equipment refers to things such as a discharged fire extinguisher which needs to be sent for recharging or an empty breathing apparatus cylinder.

Related Information

• NSW RFS Observation Form
• Report a Workplace Safety Incident
• RFG OPG - Post-Incident Reporting
• Service Standard 1.5.6 Lessons Management Framework
• Service Standard 7.1.2 Critical Incident Support Services (CISS)