What is the first step in critical incident analysis?

The first step in critical incident analysis involves a thorough review of the incident. This step is crucial because it sets the foundation for understanding the context, circumstances, and outcomes surrounding the event being analyzed. By conducting a detailed review, practitioners are able to gather all relevant information and data related to the incident, which provides clarity and insight necessary to further investigate the underlying issues, identify facts, and evaluate resolutions later on. This step emphasizes a comprehensive understanding of the incident before moving on to identify issues or fact-finding, ensuring that analysis is grounded in well-established facts and observations.