against action aimed at a future situation with regard to the
total solution for the whole incident site. This problem can
be discussed in terms of the notion time constant, i.e. a type
of measurement of sluggishness in the system or parts of the
system.It is not always the case that the above steps follow the order gi-
ven here or even that the processes occur as separate entities. It
is quite possible that several of the above steps can overlap or run
in parallel, especially when bearing in mind that there are various
levels in the system or that a large number of greater or lesser
separate problems may need to be solved simultaneously. Every
individual in the system, regardless of whether they are formal
decision makers or not, receives information, processes it, makes
decisions and bases actions on these. And even if we only consider
commanders and formal decision makers, the decision making
process and its connections to time and space become complex
and extensive.
Time and space perception
We can speak in terms of, time perception, which entails some de-
gree of understanding of aspects that concern time, such as wait,
first, later, now, in a little while. Good perception of time is required
to effectively execute tasks consisting of a combination of activi-
ties that have to be carried out in stages, for example, in a tactical
pattern, or to wait for the particular effect an initiated and execu-
ted measure will result in. This can be very evident during the
execution of emergency response operations. The fire chief for a
municipal structure for providing rescue services must be capable
of perceiving and understanding the longer term consequences of
the decisions made. Decisions are transformed into instructions
or tasks, units are assigned these and they execute certain actions;
a certain amount of time is required for this and to ensure that
the desired effect of the actions is obtained. It is not sufficient to
view the problem from one time axis in which one action is fol-
lowed by another. One must be capable of surveying the complete
sequence of events as a continuous process and creating models of
the development. Sometimes it is necessary to initiate certain me-
asures on the basis of early indications and personal experience,
in order to combat a problem before it has had a chance to deve-
lop. When, for example, an attic fire breaks through the roof of a