I came across this great aerial rescue flowchart in Annex F of the 2006 ANZI A300 Safety Standard. I realize that the standard has been updated since then (2012), but this chart is very applicable when considering how jobsite environments can change rapidly, specifically in the event of an aerial rescue scenario, and offers a simple program of response in that event. It provides a very useful tool to better prepare for the environments we find ourselves in.

The terms that I am drawn to in the flow chart key at the top of the page are decision and action, and I think that these terms are vital in dealing with not only an emergency, but the ever-changing environment of the urban forest. Our decisions and our actions affect everyone and everything around us.

The arborist’s skill to make quality decisions and take the appropriate action could mean the difference between success and failure; in an aerial rescue scenario, it could mean the difference between someone living and dying. The decisions we make, and the actions we take should be deeply rooted in a culture of preparation and safety.

In the flowchart, we can observe that those decisions we make do not have to be complex. A simple response of yes or no is what bridges critical gaps in our decision making process. We essentially must observe, and react. Therfore, the decisions we make and the actions we take are directly proportional to our ability to observe and react. And we can certainly train and prepare to get better at that.

Sure, this is much easier said than done. But, if we consider this flowchart to be a tool, much like a circuit board in an electronic device, we can program ourselves to be better decision making machines. Knowing the appropriate action for each decision we are faced with before situations occur will lead to a stronger circuit board and better response to the environment around us.

Like an old little league coach may have told you,”know what to do with the ball before you get it.”

The characteristics of an environment are what determine our responses to an emergency situation, or any situation for that matter. Electrical conductors present and manageable, terrain and the physical ability to access the patient, assessing trauma and consciousness and establishing a strong link with EMS in order to give the patient the best possible chance at safety or survival are all products of understanding the environment. Knowing the environment and knowing the situation from a planning perspective can have huge impacts on the decision making process, as well as the safety and success of each team member.

It should be our responsibility to program our decision making process in order to properly function in high stress and constantly changing environments. We owe that to our team members, our loved ones and to the industry at large.

Our decisions and our actions define us.