What information is crucial for participants during a mission briefing?

The crucial information for participants during a mission briefing is the incident's past and present circumstances. Understanding both the history of the incident and the current situation allows team members to grasp the context of the mission, informing their decisions and actions on how to proceed safely and effectively. This information encompasses details such as the nature of the emergency, conditions that may impact the operation (like weather or terrain), and any previously attempted actions or outcomes which can influence their strategies.

While sharing personal experiences or discussing favorite strategies might create camaraderie, they do not provide the critical, situational awareness necessary for the mission at hand. Similarly, listing the names of volunteers on the team can be useful for organization and communication, but it does not directly contribute to understanding the incident itself, which is fundamental for a successful response.