If a member in your unit is involved in an auto crash and isn't expected to survive, what should you do?

In situations where a member of your unit is involved in a serious auto crash and is not expected to survive, notifying the Flag Plot Duty Officer is critical for several reasons. This action ensures that the appropriate higher command officials are informed promptly, allowing them to prepare for any necessary response and coordination. It also allows for the execution of protocols that may include notifying the family and providing support to other unit members who may be impacted by the news.

Notifying the Flag Plot Duty Officer expedites the flow of information through the chain of command, which is essential in handling such sensitive situations effectively. The procedures that follow can be highly structured, aimed at supporting the family and the unit, and this notification is a key component of that process. Additionally, it may trigger the involvement of critical support services, like chaplain services or mental health resources, ensuring that everyone affected receives the help they need in a timely manner.

While informing the family and waiting for updates from medical staff may seem crucial, these actions typically follow after the command structure is appropriately notified. Conducting an internal investigation is also important, but that process comes later and is informed by the initial emergency response and notifications.