When Accidents Happen

Book excerpt: When Accidents Happen introduces how to meet the challenges of being a Family Liaison Officer and offers a reference to help support experienced FLO's in their role. Backing up suggestions with examples from the field the text maps an approach to being a FLO, acknowledging the potential strengths and weaknesses of the position and defining clear parameters for FLO's to successfully operate within. For those unfamiliar with the potential of the position it will help establish a blueprint to work from and for the more established program it can be a common reference for the team. This book is a wonderful adjunct to support the work of FLO's involved in: -Search and Rescue-Agencies and NGOs-Law Enforcement, First responder and Emergency Services-High-risk industries; Petrochemical exploration, recovery and salvage -Summer camps and education programs, -School and collegiate athletic programs, -Consulate and embassy work abroad -Disaster management and response-Outdoors and adventure businesses including rafting, ski resorts, climbing, wilderness guiding, hunting and fishing lodges.-Risk and emergency management trainers/consultants-Media groups - reporting from the field and researching responseWhether the incident is a Multiple Casualty Incident, death in the line of duty, a search for a missing person or dealing with the effects of serious injury or fatality at a school sporting event this book can help administrators and leaders effectively prioritize and manage the initial communications with the affected family and friends. The book will help groups prepare and conduct a review about the use of a FLO program - it provides a foundation that can be adapted and tuned to meet specific program needs. Contents include1. What makes a good Family Liaison Officer? 2. Getting Started within Search and Rescue 3. The Role of a Family Liaison Officer4. Incident Command System (ICS) 5. Mission Deployment 6. Communication Skills 7. General Considerations 8. Scripting 9. Mission Flow and Progression 10. Challenging Scenarios 11. Documentation 12. Training Scenarios and Yearly Review13. Long Term Impacts