Weighing the potential danger to firefighters against the potential for saving a life is the goal of what analysis?

The goal of weighing the potential danger to firefighters against the potential for saving a life is best captured by risk/benefit analysis. This type of analysis evaluates the risks associated with a particular action or decision—such as entering a burning building—against the expected benefits, which in this case would be the potential to rescue someone in danger.

In firefighting, this analysis is crucial as it helps incident commanders make informed decisions based on the level of threat to firefighters’ safety and the likelihood of a successful rescue. It emphasizes a careful consideration of both life safety and operational effectiveness, ensuring that actions taken are justified by the potential outcomes.

This approach balances the dangers involved in firefighting operations while focusing on the ultimate objective of protecting lives, particularly those of civilians. In contrast to other types of analyses, such as cost or safety analysis, the risk/benefit model specifically aligns with the dilemma first responders face when deciding whether to engage in high-risk rescues.