What is an Informal Post Incident Analysis (PIA) characterized by?

An Informal Post Incident Analysis (PIA) is characterized by a debriefing that typically occurs at the company level. This process allows team members to gather shortly after an incident to discuss what transpired, evaluate responses, and identify lessons learned in a more casual and open environment. The focus is on fostering communication and collaboration among the firefighters who directly responded to the incident, enabling them to share insights and experiences without the pressure or formalities associated with structured reports or presentations.

Rather than presenting a formal report to stakeholders or conducting a public review meeting, which might involve broader audiences and require a different level of reporting, the informal debriefing focuses on practical insights and immediate feedback from those who were on the scene. This immediate reflection helps to reinforce learning and can often lead to immediate changes to improve future operations.