What does the Risk Management Process begin with?

The Risk Management Process begins with gathering situational awareness because it involves understanding the current circumstances and conditions that may impact decision-making in a given context. This initial step is crucial as it establishes a foundation for identifying potential hazards and assessing risks associated with an operation.

By collecting relevant data and information about the environment, resource availability, and potential threats, emergency responders can form a clearer picture of the situation at hand. Effective situational awareness enables teams to anticipate challenges and respond proactively, rather than reactively.

While hazard assessment, decision point analysis, and incident command setup are all important components of the Risk Management Process, they come into play after an accurate understanding of the situation has been established through gathering situational awareness. In essence, situational awareness informs subsequent steps in the risk management cycle, ensuring that decisions are made based on a comprehensive understanding of the context.