Application of quality indicators and critical lessons learned assessment as a research approach for the evaluation of rescue missions during terrorist attacks

Abstract

In Wuerzburg, Germany, a terrorist attack and a killing rampage occurred five years apart (2016 and 2021). Following a structured evaluation of the rescue mission in 2016, a bundle of quality indicators and ten “lessons learned” were defined. Aim of the presented study was to compare the two rescue missions and to critically review the lessons learned from 2016 for their implementation and feasibility. An interdisciplinary and inter-professional group of experts analyzed the data using predefined quality indicators. All lessons defined in 2016 were critically reviewed and qualified as either lessons learned or lessons identified. While seven out of ten lessons were successfully implemented after 2016 (lessons learned), three lessons didn´t work and were recategorized as lessons identified (communication, zoning and the mutual exchange of different tactical approaches). Our results demonstrate that the conclusions drawn in 2016 have helped to improve the performance of the rescue forces in 2021. In addition, the identified lessons are now the basis for further improving emergency and disaster preparedness. It is important to understand, that the process of preparedness improvement is not completed with the definition of lessons identified. These must first be integrated into response plans and then trained intensively. A lesson identified only becomes a lesson learned once it has been successfully applied.