In a critical incident, what is the purpose of an after-action review?

The purpose of an after-action review is to analyze the response during a critical incident and identify areas for improvement. This process allows involved parties to reflect on what happened, how it was handled, and whether the outcomes were satisfactory. By examining the effectiveness of the response, the review fosters a culture of learning and accountability, enabling agencies to adapt procedures, training, and policies based on real experiences.

This approach is geared toward enhancing future responses rather than attributing blame or celebrating successes without critical evaluation. It acknowledges that even well-handled situations may have aspects that could benefit from refinement. Engaging in this constructive review helps ensure that lessons learned contribute to better preparedness for future incidents.