Why Systems Matter in Emergencies

Learn and Improve

One of the most compelling arguments for the importance of systems is, "You can't learn if there is no system." Let's say you were learning to play darts. If every time you throw the dart you use a completely different approach, you can't improve after each shot. If you miss, there's no way to tell what it was that caused you to miss. Similarly, if you hit the bull's eye you can't replicate the results. Without a system, it's just chance.

Systems (like checklists) provide a structured way of doing things: a set of procedures that can be followed, evaluated, and (most importantly) tweaked based on outcomes.

Without a system, every emergency becomes a series of ad hoc decisions with no benchmarks for evaluation or improvement. There are no procedures to examine or learn from after an incident. Systems like ICS and START Triage give responders a playbook to refer to, ensuring that the lessons learned from past incidents lead to better outcomes in the future.

Streamline Decision-Making

If you head off on a road trip, everyone needs to know where you're going and what the plan is to get there so people can make decisions on their own; they know what the goal is and the rough game plan. You can't drive every car all the time.

In a high-pressure emergency, systems help to streamline decision-making processes. People have clear guidelines and roles, so they know who does what, how to make decisions, and how to act.

Clear roles and guidelines are especially crucial in large-scale incidents where multiple agencies and responders must work together effectively. For example, the Incident Command System (ICS) establishes a clear command structure and common terminology, allowing teams across areas of expertise to integrate quickly and work towards common objectives without confusion, overlap, or gaps.

Ensure Consistency Across Responses

Everyone once in a while, The Great British Bake Off's technical challenge gives contestants no recipe and a table full of ingredients. Bakers have 5 minutes to look at and taste the food they're supposed to replicate, then are told to have at it. While some make "rookie" errors (use almond extract, if you use ground almonds the cake won't have as much height), many are able to do a decent job.

Why? Because they understand the underlying chemistry of baking, learned from spending a LOT of time in the kitchen and a lot of trial and error. Even the best bakers can make mistakes (whether they're on TV or not), and forget basic principles. With life and death, we don't have that luxury.

Emergencies vary dramatically from each other, but the principles stay the same. "Bakers" learn to read and recognize patterns and apply lessons from one area to another much like police, fire, and EMS professionals and volunteers do the same. Systems make sure these principles are actually applied consistently across all calls, regardless of the nature of the emergency at hand.

For example, START Triage provides a method for evaluating and prioritizing patients in a mass casualty incident. When the stakes are high systems matter most, because mistakes cost lives.

Empower Responders with Little Training

Recipes are able to be passed on to anyone because they're clear and explain exactly what you're supposed to do. Even if you don't have much experience cooking, you could probably follow a well-written recipe.

That's the way it should be in Fire and EMS whenever possible. Without written systems, frameworks, or guides, first responders would have to memorize EVERYTHING. MCIs happen rarely, but responders would have to have an inordinate amount of training in order to be prepared. Instead we have a system with written guides and easy mnemonics to ensure a high standard.

In short, a well-designed system can make the difference between chaos and effective action by ensuring that everyone has a role to play and knows what to do, without needing extensive training and repetition.

Facilitate Scalability and Flexibility

Recipes are also easily scalable and flexible. For margarine you can substitute butter, different kinds of flour can be swapped out, and in some recipes even mashed banana can swap in for eggs. If the recipe as written works for a dozen cookies, simply double it or make the recipe twice to make 24 cookies.

Emergencies can scale up and down, and the response needs to be able to adapt as the situation evolves. Systems like ICS and WearARMR are designed to be both scalable and flexible, able to expand or contract based on the incident's size, complexity, and duration. This means the response is coordinated and efficient, whether it's a small, localized incident or a large-scale disaster requiring national or international aid.

In summary, systems are not just administrative formalities, they are required for effective emergency response. They provide a framework for learning and improvement, streamline decision-making, ensure consistency, empower those with less training, and facilitate scalability and flexibility. In the chaos of an emergency, a well-designed system can be the difference between life and death. As we continue to face complex and challenging emergencies, systems like FEMA's Incident Command System (ICS), WearARMR, and START triage are increasingly important.