Being Prepared for Disaster

Kevin Dodds

Simulated Operations Unit

The Simulated Operations Unit conducts multi agency emergency management simulated exercises which tests the capability of participants in the areas of decision making, communication and leadership. The immersive simulation uses what is known worldwide as the Hydra methodology and seeks to immerse participants into a scenario which allows them to respond as they would in a real life situation.

Key Focus

Critical Decision Making

Communication

Leadership

What we do?

Investigation & Intelligence

Incident & Emergency Management

Leadership

Investigation & Intelligence

Senior Detectives Course

Critical Incident Investigation Course

Terrorism Investigation (State & National)

Drug Crime Course

Negotiators (State & International)

AFP Major Organised Crime Course

CT Intelligence (National)

Incident Management

Local Emergency Operations Controllers (EM)

Regional Emergency Operations Controllers (EM)

Incident Commanders Course

Advanced Incident Commanders Course

Public Order Desktops

Leadership

Inspectors Transition Program

Superintendents Transition Program

Strategic Leadership Program

DET (High School Principals / Local Area Commands

The way we do it?

Hydra (slow burn)

Individuals performing as a team with a Team Leader (Leadership)

Flexible timing

Interaction (Communication)Within the GroupAmong the Groups

Information is provided and decisions made and recorded in a Journal or Log (Decision Making)

Minerva (quick fire)

Individuals performing actual roles (Leadership)

Real time

Interaction (Communication)Upper level / Lower level

Information overload (Decision Making)

Immersion Room

Why we do it?• Filling the gap between learning and the real thing

• 70/20/10 Framework – Learning by doing

• Preparing your mind, body by rehearsing – Competently Confident

• It is a safe learning environment – Chatham House with no Assessment

• Changing behaviour – Thought, Knowledge, Action, Behaviour, Habit

• Cost Benefit Analysis - Flexibility of Simulation v Desktop / Field Exercises

Why we need to use Simulation to Prepare For Disaster

1. Relationships

2. Breaking down barriers

3. Cooperation

4. Resources

5. Thinking strategically

6. Allows for reflective learning

7. Test ability on specific issues

8. Confidence v Competence

9. Learning from Subject Matter Experts

10.Cost