GlossaryGuide

Etym. situate (v.) early 15c., “to place in a particular state or condition,” from Medieval Latin situatus, past participle of situare “to place, locate,” from Latin situs “a place, position” (see site). Related: Situated; situating, situation (n.).

Etym. awareness (n.) 1828, from aware + -ness. Late Old English gewær, “wary, cautious.”

Definition

• Situation awareness (SA) is the perception of environmental elements within time and space, and a perception of their meaning; it involves being aware of what is happening around you to understand how information, events, and your own actions impact the outcomes and objectives.

• A field of study concerned with understanding of the environment critical to decisionmakers in complex, dynamic areas; situational awareness refers to the degree to which one’s perception of a situation matches reality.

• The awareness of fatigue and stress among team members (including oneself), environmental threats to safety, immediate goals, information sharing, and the deteriorating status of the crisis or patient. Most commonly used in the context of crisis resource management training (Hancock et al, 2008).

Compare: SHARED MENTAL MODEL

Contrast with: FIXATION ERROR