What is a primary factor in determining the severity of an incident?

A primary factor in determining the severity of an incident is the duration of the event. The duration provides critical context regarding how long an incident affects individuals or operations. Longer durations can lead to increased exposure to hazards, a greater likelihood of injury or damage, and more extensive repercussions on the environment, systems, or communities involved. If an incident is prolonged, it may escalate in severity, raising the stakes for necessary emergency response and management efforts.

While factors such as the type of facility, location of the incident, and staff training level are certainly significant, they often influence the context of severity rather than being primary determinants. For example, a well-trained staff may respond efficiently to a shorter incident, while the location can dictate initial responses but doesn't inherently change the incident's severity. Hence, duration stands out as a crucial component in assessing the impact and seriousness of an incident.