[CM] Definition of an Incident Crisis Management Live Exercise

Definition of a Live Incident Crisis Management Exercise

An Incident CM Live Exercise is a real-time, immersive simulation replicating a specific crisis scenario (e.g., cyberattack, fire, product recall) with physical deployments, operational actions, and live decision-making—not just theoretical discussions.

Unlike tabletop exercise, participants must execute actual procedures (e.g., evacuations, IT system failovers, press briefings) under time pressure, closely mimicking a real incident.

Pre-reading for Participants Attending Module 4 of the CM-5000 Crisis Management Expert Implementer Course

Key Characteristics

1. Real-World Execution

   • Participants physically perform tasks (e.g., activating emergency ops centres, deploying backup systems, conducting mock media interviews).

   • Example: IT teams isolate servers during a simulated ransomware attack.

   
   
   

2. Focused on a Single Incident Type

   • Tests one high-risk scenario (e.g., active shooter, data breach, power outage) to refine specialised response protocols.

   
   
   

3. Time-Pressured Environment

   • Runs in real-time (e.g., a 1-hour exercise mirrors 1 hour of crisis response).

   • Introduces unplanned injects (e.g., "Employees are trapped in Building B") to test adaptability.

4. Multi-Team Coordination

   • Engages only relevant teams (e.g., IT and security for a cyber incident, and facilities and HR for a workplace evacuation).

Purpose & Objectives

• Validate procedural muscle memory (e.g., can teams follow checklists under stress?).

• Test technology/tools (e.g., do mass notification systems work?).

• Identify operational gaps (e.g., evacuation routes are blocked).

• Build confidence through hands-on practice.

How It Differs from Other Exercises

Example: Active Shooter Live Exercise

Scenario

Gunman reported in Office 3B.

Live Actions Tested

• Security teams physically sweep rooms using protocol.

• HR activates employee accountability tools.

• PR drafts a real statement within 15 minutes.

• Employees practice lockdown procedures.

Injects

1. "Shooter moves to Floor 2."

2. "Fake 911 call claims hostages."

Outcome Metrics

• Response Time: How quickly were critical actions taken?

• Tool Reliability: Did emergency systems (e.g., alarms, apps) function?

• Human Behaviour: Did staff panic or follow training?

Incident live exercises are critical for high-stakes, high-speed scenarios (e.g., fires, cyberattacks). 

Types of Crisis Management Exercises
Design and Develop Crisis Management Exercises

To learn more about the course and schedule, click the buttons below for the  CM-300 Crisis Management Implementer [CM-3] and the CM-5000 Crisis Management Expert Implementer [CM-5].

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