• Ensure structured, repeatable responses during high-stress situations
• Minimize the risk of omission and human error
• Enable personnel at all levels to take decisive action based on pre-defined guidance
• Strengthen coordination, especially across multi-agency or multi-site operations
Phase-Oriented -Segment checklists into phases of the emergency:
>> Activation
>> Initial Response
>> Stabilization
>> Recovery
>> Debrief/Post-Event
Action-Focused - Use clear, direct, and unambiguous action items:
>> Notify CAA within 1 hour of event
>> Activate Care Team via hotline
>> Don’t use vague language like “Check if support is needed”
Time-Sensitive & Prioritized - Use timestamps or priority levels:
>> Immediate (0–30 min)
>> Short-Term (1–3 hours)
>> Ongoing (Day 1–3)
• Who will use the checklist? (e.g., HR Manager, Maintenance Manager, Go Team, Legal)
• What scenario is it for? (e.g., Aircraft crash, cargo fire, cyberattack)
• What event activates the checklist?
Example: “Aircraft accident with casualties confirmed”
Typical ERP checklist sections:
• Initial Alert & Activation
• Command Center Setup
• Internal Notification Tree
• External Communication (Regulators, Media, Families)
• Safety, Security, and Access Control
• Records & Evidence Preservation
• Legal/Insurance Notification
• Media & Social Media Response
• Staff Well-being and Care Team Deployment
• Transition to Recovery Phase
• Laminate critical checklists for Go Kits and CCC walls
• Host digital versions on internal ERP app or secure share point
• Provide wallet-sized reference cards for field staff
Keep It Updated
• Review every 6–12 months
• Update after each drill or real event
• Cross-check against evolving regulations (e.g. ICAO Annex 19, EASA ORO.GEN.200)
Integrate with Stakeholders
• Involve airport authorities, local emergency services, legal teams, etc. in checklist design and validation
• Ensure mutual understanding of response timing and handovers
Train with Realism
• Include checklist drills in ERP simulations
• Use scenario-based exercises (e.g., “Your ERP Go Team arrives at a crash site – now what?”)
• Avoid Overload – Keep checklists succinct (1–2 pages max per role/scenario).
• Use Action Verbs – “Call,” “Activate,” “Inform,” “Log,” “Secure” – no passive voice.
• Include Contact Details – Only if regularly updated (consider QR code for live directory).
• Test Under Pressure – Simulate fatigue, stress, and night ops to ensure clarity holds.
• Design for Non-Experts – Assume the checklist may be used by a substitute or junior team member.
• Checklist simplicity = reliability in chaos.
• Incorporate feedback loops to improve checklist content after drills or real events.
• Treat your checklist as a safety-critical tool, not a bureaucratic form.
Would you like a template set of ERP checklists for different roles (e.g. Crisis Director, Go Team, Communications Officer) to integrate into your training package?
Sofema Aviation Services and Sofema Online provide Emergency Response and Associated Training as Classroom, Webinar or Online Training – Please see the websites or email team@sassofia.com.
