Operational debriefs are vital for continuous improvement in emergency services. Some of the most important incidents from which we need to learn are potentially traumatic events, where the consequences for the community and first responders can be significant. While we need first responders to share their observations so we can learn, sharing those observations may cause the first responder to relive the event in an unhelpful way. Therefore, the central challenge is: How can operational debriefs of incidents involving traumatic exposure be facilitated to promote continuous improvement while looking after the wellbeing of first responders who attended the incident? The investigation of two hot debrief tools in emergency medicine, which have been peer-reviewed, provides an opportunity to address improved guidelines for first responder operational debriefs following potentially traumatic events (PTEs). These two tools, which have been designed to provide guidance to inexperienced facilitators, have indicated both learning and wellbeing benefits. While much of the current research literatures focuses on the wellbeing response for first responders, a thematic examination of the hot debrief tools provides an evidence-supported approach to learning from PTEs while reducing the risk of harm to first responders. Furthermore, it further highlights the current knowledge gaps where future research opportunities exist.