Paint a Word Picture
It's important that each event in the sequence clearly describes what occurred so that someone who is unfamiliar with an accident is able to "see it happen" as they read through the sequence.
You can use cards to develop the sequence of events.
A Good Idea: Use Cards
Reference the infographic to see a sample sequence of numbered events using cards arranged from "-11" through "+2."
Using the cards, develop the sequence of events as follows:
- Describe each event: Write the details of the event on the front of a card. If needed, include additional source information on the back.
- Ensure each card describes only one event: If a card describes multiple actors and actions, separate the card it into two events using the steps below. Look for the word "and" as a clue that the card is describing multiple events.
- Separate the Actors: Clearly identify each person performing an action.
- Distinguish the Actions: Describe each actor's single action in the event.
- Arrange the cards: Once you have a number of cards describing single events, arrange them in their proper sequence.
- Number the cards: Number each card in the sequence:
- The accident itself is represented by the "zero" card. It's the first card to identify and place.
- Place the negative-numbered cards to the left of the zero accident card. These cards describe events that occurred before the accident. To work backward, ask "What caused this?" and "Why did this happen?" This process, known as "backward tracing" or "reverse tracing," helps identify the initial actors and actions that ultimately led to the accident.
- Place positive-numbered cards to the right of the zero accident card. They describe events occurring after the accident. Ask "what happened next?" to work forward. This step is important to learn which accident response actions might be improved.
Knowledge Check Choose the best answer for the question.
1-10. What is a clue that you have included too much information in an event?
You forgot to answer the question!