Figure 5

Stages, uncertainties, and critical decisions. Based on knowledge and experience, the commanders used visual, audio, and olfactory cues to rapidly make situation assessments. The focus of attention and the overall situational awareness changed throughout the stages of operation: mobilization/en route, on arrival, initial response, development, and conclusion. The temporal correlation of uncertainties and critical decisions is shown in relation to the different stages of the emergency response. Major uncertainties affecting decision-making included location and boundaries of the incident ground, number of casualties, commander roles, personnel safety, and lack of resource oversight. The number and magnitude of uncertainties was largest in the development stage, after most of the critical decisions had been made. Details and the use of symbols for each of these factors are presented in Figures 2, 3, and 4.