What does an "After Action Report" (AAR) encompass?

An After Action Report (AAR) is designed to provide a comprehensive evaluation of an incident’s response outcomes and lessons learned. This detailed analysis is crucial for identifying what was effective during the response, what challenges were faced, and how strategies can be improved in the future. The AAR serves not only as a documentation tool but also as a learning opportunity for all involved, promoting a culture of continuous improvement in operational effectiveness and safety.

This report typically includes detailed discussions about the incident's context, the actions taken by responders, the outcomes achieved, and specific areas for improvement based on observed performance and situational responses. By looking at the incident in depth, teams can develop better protocols, enhance teamwork, and refine skills, ultimately leading to better outcomes in similar future incidents.