Why are the last 5 minutes of an incident important?

The last five minutes of an incident are crucial because they provide an opportunity to show empathy towards the victims. Empathy plays a vital role in crisis management and leadership. During such critical moments, acknowledging the feelings and experiences of those affected can foster trust and rapport. This emotional connection can not only help in addressing immediate needs but also contribute to the victims' overall recovery process. By demonstrating genuine concern and understanding, leaders can create a supportive environment that reassures victims amidst their distress. This act of compassion can significantly impact how they perceive the response to the incident and their willingness to engage with the recovery process.

The other options, while relevant to incident management, do not capture this key relational aspect as effectively as demonstrating empathy towards victims does. Final paperwork, preventing future incidents, and emphasizing debriefing the team are tactical elements that, while important, do not address the emotional needs of those directly affected by the incident.