Effective problem and crisis management - FAST© and the six interaction rules
by Robert Heath
International Journal of Emergency Management (IJEM), Vol. 1, No. 1, 2001

Abstract: Much attention over the last 20 years has been placed on tracing how effective decisions have been (and can be) made. In problem and crisis situations, this attention has included ''backward mapping'' and situational awareness. Approaches for operating in active problem and crisis situations have also been proposed. These approaches include Crew Resource Management, Recognition-Primed Decision Making, and Method of Tactical Reasoning. Some practitioners point to generalised concepts such as considering the worst scenario, ''fact finding, analysis, damage control, and communication'', and Crisisthink. In many cases, however, users appear to need to learn strategies or tactics that need adaptive application or lose outcome focus. Consequently, there exists a need for simple rule-based guidelines to thinking and managing in any problem and crisis situations. This paper outlines a focused formula for targeted option development called FAST, and six interactive focus ''rules'' that increase situation awareness and provide guidelines for more effective option formation and selection. These rules are to; 1 Work from the Worst case, 2 Deal with Definite facts, 3 Limit Losses, 4 Dig for Disconfirmation, 5 Manage the Manageable, and 6 Form FAST© options.

Online publication date: Fri, 18-Jul-2003

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