Risk-Based Decision Matrix for Auxiliary Communications Support at Outdoor Endurance Events
This matrix can be used by race directors, public safety agencies, EMS, and Auxiliary Communications Coordinators to help determine when dedicated communications support should be incorporated into an event.
General Rule of Thumb
Auxiliary communications support should be strongly considered whenever an event exhibits three or more moderate-to-high risk factors, particularly when the event spans a large geographic area, involves multiple medical resources, or cannot depend on reliable commercial communications. This risk-based approach provides a more accurate basis for planning than athlete participation alone and aligns well with Incident Command System (ICS) principles of scalable, risk-informed resource management.
In all cases, this is a tool that can help with assessments, but should not replace competent assessment and decision making.
It is recommended to download the SE-CSPSA Tutorial to have it at hand the first few times you work with the SE-CPSA form. Watch the YouTube Video Course to gain a better understanding of the goals and processes.
Download a zip file that contains the SE-CPSA tool with tutorial. Unzip to a dedicated folder on your machine. To start, open the index file with your browser. This format operates as a stand alone-serverless set of webpages on your machine and has the ability to save your work as a json file that can be reloaded at a later time.
Special Event Communications Planning & Staffing Assessment (SE-CPSA)
Version 5.1 — Interactive Risk, Staffing, and Communications Planning Tool
Special Event Communications Planning & Staffing Assessment (SE-CPSA)
Version 5.1 — Printed assessment report
Event Information
Communications Risk Assessment Matrix
Select one risk level for each factor. Low = 0 points, Moderate = 1 point, High = 3 points. High-risk selections for factors marked with an asterisk (*) are weighted at 6 points.
| Risk Factor | Low Risk (0) | Moderate Risk (1) | High Risk (3 / 6*) | Selection | Points |
|---|
Assessment Results
Position-Based Staffing Calculator
| Position / Function | Recommended Quantity | Planning Basis |
|---|
Recommended Communications Assets
| Asset / Capability | Recommendation | Comments |
|---|
Planning Notes
Actions
"Planning-use disclaimer: This tool can help with assessments, but it should not replace competent assessment and decision-making, site surveys, coverage testing, local policy, Incident Command direction, or approval.