What type of understanding does the Baseline (Current) provide?

The Baseline (Current) understanding primarily focuses on the current agency capabilities. This involves assessing and identifying what resources, skills, and operational capabilities are presently available to a fire department or emergency service agency. By establishing a clear snapshot of the existing resources and competencies, the organization can effectively plan for improvements, manage resource allocation, and enhance operational strategies.

This understanding serves as a foundation for comparison when assessing future needs or performance goals. For instance, it allows the agency to identify gaps in capabilities that may need to be addressed to meet projected demands or to improve service delivery. In contrast to other options, like projected resource needs or future performance goals, which look ahead to what may be required or desired, the Baseline (Current) emphasizes the here and now, helping organizations to base their strategies and plans on a realistic assessment of their existing strengths and limitations.