Briefing and Debriefing for Better Communication

Clear communication isn’t optional in high-risk environments – it’s essential. In Search and Rescue (SAR), a poorly delivered briefing or missed debriefing can result in lost time, missed objectives, or preventable harm.

This course teaches the Briefing & Debriefing System used in both emergency response and high-performance organizations. You’ll learn how to brief your team using a straightforward structure – DO / DON’T / DID – and how to debrief them to surface real-time gaps, unmet needs, and next actions.

Topics include:

• Types of briefings (informational vs. instructional)

• Common briefing pitfalls and how to avoid them

• Field-tested debriefing strategies that uncover what’s working and what’s not

• Real-world SAR and leadership examples

• Downloadable briefing tools and reference guides

This course is based on TEAM Solutions’ trusted Briefing and Debriefing Toolkit and includes bonus tools like a printable pocket card for quick field reference.

Whether you’re leading SAR missions, coordinating public safety operations, or just trying to improve organizational communication, this course will help you lead with clarity, debrief with confidence, and move your team forward with purpose.