When should a personal accountability report (PAR) be conducted?

A personal accountability report (PAR) should be conducted whenever a landmark event occurs during operations. This is crucial because it ensures that all personnel are accounted for, especially in dynamic or high-stress situations where circumstances may have changed rapidly. Landmark events could include significant operational changes, emergencies, or the arrival of new resources or personnel.

Conducting a PAR during these times helps verify that everyone is present and safe, reducing the risk of confusion or miscommunication and allowing for effective coordination of the operation moving forward. This proactive approach to accountability ensures that personnel can be quickly accounted for and that any potential issues can be addressed immediately.

Other timing options, such as conducting a PAR at the start of an operation or before every shift, do not account for the immediate need to reassess personnel status in response to changing conditions. Similarly, performing a PAR only at the end of the day overlooks the importance of real-time accountability during critical moments in operations.