What is the purpose of a debriefing session following an incident?

The purpose of a debriefing session following an incident is primarily to determine the effectiveness of operations and improve future management. This process involves gathering all key personnel to discuss what transpired during the incident response, evaluating the strategies and tactics used, and understanding what worked well as well as what could have been done differently. This reflection is essential for identifying strengths and weaknesses in the response, which can then inform training, procedures, and resource allocation for future incidents.

While aspects like celebration, psychological support, and penalization might play roles in other contexts, they do not capture the primary aim of a debriefing. The focus is squarely on operational effectiveness and continuous improvement, ensuring that lessons learned contribute to safer and more effective practices in the future.