Think LCES - Keep Your Team Safe in a Pandemic

Every generation has a pivotal moment in their history. The COVID-19 pandemic is one of those moments. Now is the time for strong leadership. No one is immune from the impact of this pandemic. Most importantly, every person at every level of the organization has the ability to make a difference. Every one of us has the ability to lead and SHOULD lead.

What does leading in a crisis look like? The answers are as varied as the situation put before us, but maybe we could adapt LCES to heighten our response:

Lookouts

• Who do you have looking out for the health of each crew member?
• Are the persons acting as lookouts experienced,  competent, and trusted?
• Do you have enough lookouts at good vantage points?
• Do your lookouts have a good knowledge of team locations?
• Do your lookouts know the trigger points?
• Are your lookouts equipped with the proper tools and know the plan? 

Communication(s)

• Confirm you have stable communication loops up and down the chain of command.
• Establish regular check-in times with your team.
• Provide updates on any situation change.
• Sound alarm early, not late.
• Ensure your communications are clear, concise and honest.

Escape Route(s)

• Support team members who become ill or need to take care of family members. 
• Identify and make barriers to safety known to all.
• Scout each crew member for symptoms of illness.
• Be ready to stand down the team if necessary. 

Safety Zone(s)

• Follow CDC guidelines and agency requirements for social distancing. 
• Always use your PPE!
• Respect personal space and safety needs.

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This blog is not a replacement for CDC and local protocols. It is intended to use something we all know to help us take care of one another.

Pam McDonald is a writer/editor for BLM Wildland Fire Training and Workforce Development and member of the NWCG Leadership Committee. The expressions are those of the author.