Item: THE INCIDENT SUPPORT TOOL: A NOVEL FRAMEWORK FOR ENHANCING AVALANCHE RESPONSE OPERATIONS
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Title: THE INCIDENT SUPPORT TOOL: A NOVEL FRAMEWORK FOR ENHANCING AVALANCHE RESPONSE OPERATIONS
Proceedings: International Snow Science Workshop 2024, Tromsø, Norway
Authors:
- Laura McGladrey [ University of Colorado Anschutz ]
- Gabriel Benel [ Snowmass Ski Patrol ]
- Dr. William Mundo [ University of Colorado Anschutz, Department of Emergency Medicine, Denver Health Hospital & Authority ]
- Isabelle Trachtenberg [ University of Colorado Anschutz ]
- Dr. Laura Maguire [ Cognition In The Wild ]
Date: 2024-09-23
Abstract: Avalanche response and forecasting operations often involve complex decision making before, during and after an incident. Responders navigate challenging experiences and manage engagement around wellness and mental health with minimal guidance. The Incident Support Tool (IST) was developed by Responder Alliance to systematically assess responder risks and to support psychological well-being. The tool is designed to be used by teams that operate regularly in stressful and hazardous conditions. The objective of the IST is to improve precision and efficiency in decision making in determining psychological support for responders after a potentially traumatizing experience. IST use is initiated by stress resiliency team members and can be used collaboratively on multi-agency responses. Leadership and incident commanders assign an Incident Appraisal Score (IAS) using an integrated scoring guide. Individual responders add a Responder Appraisal Score (RAS) by completing a similar exercise. A cumulative score of Incident Appraisal plus Responder Appraisal is calculated for each responder. The IST scores correlate with a color (red, yellow, green) and the tool provides recommended actionable steps. In the 2023-2024 North American winter season, a mobile application was tested by the Loveland Ski Patrol, Snowmass Ski Patrol, Parks Canada, and the Colorado Avalanche Information Center. The application allowed for direct entry and tracking of IST scores following incidents. A scheduling component provides leadership with a method of tracking workplace traumatic stress exposure, the responders attached to those incidents, and planning appropriate courses of action over time. For these four organizations, the IST application was used by 54 individuals for nine incidents. 35 IST scores were recorded within the app. This study presents findings from a feasibility and use of acceptance survey designed to assess the utility of the IST and the mobile application. Questions focused on demographics, perceived utility as a decision support tool, ease of use, and likelihood of use. Initial results suggest this is an effective method for addressing, tracking, and planning responses to minimize adverse effects of potentially traumatic events.
Object ID: ISSW2024_P11.2.pdf
Language of Article: English
Presenter(s):
Keywords: incident support tool, stress, injury, avalanche work
Page Number(s): 1518 - 1525
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