INCIDENT MANAGEMENT

Critical incident management

Abstract

Critical incident management is the actual handling of serious incidents, which an agency or an organization can face. These incidents are most common in isolate or far of places which lack the proper infrastructure to provide adequate safety. Incidents are becoming more common keeping in mind the increased threats from terrorism, it is important for an organization to tackle these incidents in a way to manage its reputation, but the safety of its people and tasks should always be the priority.

Critical incident management

Critical incident management

Any incident or succession of incident what in any way endanger the well being of people, resulting in death or serious injuries or illness. Unfortunately, most of the critical incidents that happen do not have a wide implication for a company or an organization which the normal management manages, even though it may have serious implication to the staff of the organization. These critical incidents or a series of such happenings cumulate to become a crisis, increasing in severity and consequences for the organization, and elicits a response which is usually beyond the ability of routine management.

These crises, or incidents to a lower level, are a reality for development and aid workers. These workers work in remote areas, which lack the basic infrastructure and supplies to provide the proper security needed. This makes clear that the organization has to be prepared for unpleasant incidents, which will happen. Minor incidents are normal and easily capable, but these incidents, which result in the threatening or serious injuries to a worker, are critical incidents. There are always a small number of critical incidents, which cannot be handled by the regular management of an organization and require participation from the top-level of management, or temporary assistance.

Role of the scenario-based planning

Scenario-based planning refers to the planning based on certain experiences of critical incidents which are likely to be repeated. This planning incorporates all possible problems certain scenarios may present, and what possible actions can be taken to eliminate them and handle the crisis. One very accurate example of scenario-based planning can be seen by the Russian, who after losing all of their crew members in the tragic “Kursk” submarine incident, were quick to develop contingent plans. They acted immediately when another similar incident stuck; seeking international help from specialists who could better reach the sunken submarine and save the sailors (Hutchison, L. L. 2005).

One of the most ...