The final step in the communication process is to provide feed- back. Feedback confirms comprehension. Providing feedback is also known as “critiquing.” Conscious feedback must be provid- ed during every communication interaction. After-action reports, critiques and post-incident analyses are already well known terms in the fire service. These are all forms of feedback.
The fundamental objective of feedback is to confirm under- standing. Once feedback has been provided to the sender in
the communication process, communication is considered complete. Feedback in the form of a critique also serves to rein- force communication.
The goal of any communication is to send information. In order for the communication to be complete, feedback must be supplied to ensure understanding. Communicating involves using verbal and non-verbal messages that are understood by the sender and receiver. Communication is not complete until the loop is complete. The crux of CRM is effective communication. Time and again disaster analysis points to breaks in the communication loop as contributory and often the principal cause. Using effective communication is imperative for all levels of an organization. The fire service is no different. Our history is overflowing with examples of communication breakdowns that resulted in death. Improving communication skills is accomplished in the same way firefighters become proficient at advancing hoselines and throwing ladders. Practice makes perfect