Restrictions in time and space
In a given situation both time and space, separately or together,
can place restrictions. Appropriate measures compete for the
available time and space. In this context questions of justification
and expectation can easily arise with regard to what is best for
here and now and what is best for there and later. The competi-
tion results, for example, in some individuals having to wait to
execute their measures, or not execute them at all. In the case of
emergency response operations the actions that will or should be
executed are positioned hierarchically. Some measures are funda-
mental and consequently more important than others. These are
prioritised and placed higher in the hierarchy. Many measures are
never executed as there is not sufficient space for them. These are
at least as interesting as the executed actions, not least during the
analysis stage on completion of an operation, as they provide in-
formation on the measures that are available to some individuals
in certain surroundings.
The equivalent can apply in the case of several simultaneous
ongoing response operations. Some are fundamental and priori-
tised, while others are not prioritised or perhaps not executed at
all, rescue service legislation still nevertheless being met. It is im-
portant in such competitive conditions that the right measures or
response operations are applied and that the less important ones,
even though they may be completely justifiable in the circumstan-
ces, are postponed or omitted. It is easy to fool yourself when the
apparently less important measures or response operations can
be of greater significance in the long term. They can be providing
the conditions necessary for the execution of more fundamental
measures or responses at a later stage. The commander needs to
be able to see beyond the direct consequences of an action or re-
sponse and envisage the effect in the longer term, in time and
space. This applies primarily to commanders at higher levels.
Here we can refer to limited resources and competing resources.
These place limits on what or how something can be done on a
particular occasion. It is of interest to look at the possibilities and
limitations of what can be executed or achieved within a certain
time or at a particular place. The analysis of restrictions placed by
the time and space then becomes central. Such restrictions can be
placed in three groups (Hägerstrand, 1970):
- Capacity restrictions
- Connection restrictions
- Control restrictions