What is the purpose of an After Action Report (AAR)?

The purpose of an After Action Report (AAR) is primarily to analyze the effectiveness of the response to an incident and to identify areas for improvement. AARs are essential tools in emergency management and response as they provide a structured way to evaluate what happened during an incident, how well the response strategies worked, and what could be done differently in future situations. This feedback loop is crucial for organizations to refine their emergency response plans and training, ensuring that lessons learned are documented and incorporated into future practices.

While documenting daily operations, providing a public record, and gathering community feedback are important aspects of emergency management, they do not capture the primary focus of the AAR. The core intent of the AAR is to conduct a thorough analysis that leads to enhanced performance and better preparedness for future emergencies.