Error Correction
Some errors will always slip by, so it is important to detect and trap them before they become bigger problems. The Australians have identified factors to manage errors at the field-team level. These factors begin with active vigilance to constantly monitor what is going on around the crew, provide feedback and receive updates.
Mutual scrutiny is another crucial element. CRM encourages everyone to look out for each other and to feel free to reasonably challenge the assessments of current situations as they develop. Respectful interaction is necessary to help reduce human error so that when disagreements do arise, what is right — not who is right — will be accepted and followed.
It is important to maintain crew motivation levels, keep up their morale and swiftly eliminate dissent among crew members. Australian leaders are taught the importance of acting promptly when faced with dissent and uncertainty in order to immediately resolve the situation, instead of allowing it to linger.
Because CRM training acknowledges that errors will occur, actions should be identified to help reduce the impact of those errors. Crew managers must first start safe, always have an out and communicate clearly. In addition, crew managers need to set team limits, establish trigger points and practice emergency procedures. Appropriate personal protective equipment for the task must be readily available, and routine debriefings — after-action reviews — must be implemented. AARs should be used as opportunities for learning, not as platforms for individual criticism.
Although CRM has been adopted into Australian firefighting to reduce the probability of human error, it has its own inherent weaknesses, just like all concepts and models. Just because a team's relationships are harmonious and its members communicate openly and freely doesn't mean that they or the environment in which they operate are any safer.
The human dynamics created within all fire teams are inescapably tied to the quality of communications and team-building. CRM is a management methodology designed to assist in empowerment. For the greatest benefit, however, CRM must be combined with situational awareness. Success or failure on the fireground always has been built on the smallest of building blocks. No matter what, CRM depends on the whole team and its leader having sound technical skills and knowledge. Without either, no amount of CRM will be of benefit.
Michael Hill is a wildland firefighter and an aviation military contractor specializing in managing helicopter projects in Afghanistan. In the United States, he worked 18 summers for the U.S. Forest Service as a hot shot, rappeller and smokejumper; in Australia, he serves as a bushfire, remote-area, helicopter hoist specialist.
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