What should an incident report NOT contain?

An incident report serves as a factual account of an occurrence and is intended to document what happened, how it happened, and any immediate actions taken in response to the incident. The primary purpose is to collect data for analysis and future prevention of similar incidents.

Including opinions about who may have been responsible can introduce bias and personal interpretations that may not accurately reflect the objective facts of the incident. Such subjective assessments can lead to misunderstandings and may compromise the integrity of the report. Incident reports should focus on what occurred rather than who is at fault, ensuring that the information remains clear, factual, and devoid of personal bias.

The description of events and any special care instructions relevant to the incident are crucial for providing context and understanding responses to the situation. Additionally, the name and address of the injured person are necessary for appropriate follow-up and care. Hence, avoiding subjective opinions helps maintain the report's objectivity and effectiveness as a tool for analysis and improvement.