An operator’s guide to SPAR(CD): a model to support decision-making

Abstract

In order to explore the commonalities and differences in decision-making across emergency services organisations, a systematic literature review of over 10,000 peer reviewed English-language studies was undertaken looking at sense-making and critical decision-making in police, military, ambulance and firefighting contexts. The insights gained and lessons learnt from this research enabled the development of the Situation, Context, Decision, Plan, Act, Review or S(CD)PAR framework. The new framework is hazard and service agnostic, not only incorporating complexity analysis and contextual factors but also being applicable to the full spectrum of emergency management operations. This paper presents the operational translation of the theoretical S(CD)PAR framework into a multi-sector end-user decision SPAR(CD) model that can guide operational decision-making as well as the development of policy, procedures and learning and assessment tools. While the S(CD)PAR framework and SPAR(CD) model have been developed based on research in high-consequence and low-time emergency services and military environments, they are equally applicable in other environments including business contexts and boardrooms wherever decisions are made. This research and subsequent model are important as it supports a common approach to decision-making and also provides a foundation for teaching and assessing evidence-based decision-making across multiple contexts.