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

An After Action Report (AAR) serves a critical function in the disaster response and emergency management process by analyzing the strengths and weaknesses of the response to an incident. This analysis helps identify what aspects of the response were effective and which areas require improvement. By systematically reviewing the performance during an incident, agencies can gather valuable insights that inform future planning, training, and operational procedures. The ultimate goal of an AAR is to enhance overall preparedness, improve coordination among responders, and ensure that lessons learned are documented and integrated into future response strategies, thus fostering continuous improvement in emergency management practices.

While summarizing financial expenditures, providing a timeline of events, and evaluating public opinion may also be important components of incident analysis, the primary focus of an AAR is on evaluating the response's effectiveness and preparedness.