compiled so that they can be applied to a broad scope of situations,
in which it is possible to execute different types of measures in a
similar way. Standard operating procedures must not be permitted
to succeed or infringe applicable regulations or directions.
Most importantly, they must not replace or out weigh deci sions
taken on the basis of professional assessment or the capacity to
lead in a particular situation. Even though there is a wide choice
of standard operating procedures available, it is always necessary
to assess the suitability of the selected procedure for the situation
at hand. One should bear in mind that a standard operating pro-
cedure is always a compromise.
Standard operating procedures need, naturally, to be trained for
thoroughly. For this to function they have to have been compiled
through a joint effort and formally accepted and approved by the
organisation. Generally speaking, then, if new procedures are to
be compiled, sufficient time must be provided for training. In ad-
dition it is important that they take into account the safety me-
asures that apply for a building or installation. Such measures can
include fire cell divisions, retaining barriers, shutoff valves and
alarm systems.
When a standard operating procedure is compiled, there fore,
one must ensure that all three parameters object, damage and
resources are carefully considered and accounted for.
Principles for the effective use of resources
To configure response operations, to make assessments and pro-
ceed tactically, i.e. to use resources in the best possible way in
relation to the situation is probably the most difficult aspect of
emergency response work. It is fundamental to the tactical confi-
guration of response operations that they are based on assistance
needs, flexibility and safety (for rescue service personnel and third
parties). In other words measures shall be executed to the pur-
pose of addressing the assistance need, which demands flexibility,
adaptation and safe application.
It is only through a conscious, active approach that a destructi-
ve course of events can be changed for the better. Other wise there
is the risk of rapidly landing in the position of only being able to
react in response to what is happening instead of to what is, to
a greater or lesser degree, likely to happen. In the extreme this
can result in parrying, when it is no longer possible to obtain and
maintain control.