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This allows the IC to remain in a clean environment free from any distractions. Do they post up in the front of the building? Do they sit in his SUV down the street? Do they have a dedicated command vehicle? Do they have an aide, or can they get one?įrom my experience in my large organization, I believe the IC should be removed from the incident, as far as practical but close enough to sense the scene and consider the need for their aide to act as a runner if needed. Positioning of the command post is important and varies greatly from organization to organization.
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We are all aware of what some experts recommend, but we are also aware of what reality presents once on scene and quickly realize the limited effectiveness of “mobile command.” Many organizations weigh the pros and cons, and interpretations vary, but the reality is that command must be established quickly and decisively for optimal crew management and accountability. It could be the first member on scene, the first officer on scene or the highest rank on the first apparatus on scene. The position of incident commander (IC) is implemented differently depending on your department and local or regional policies. Although incident command may be passed a couples of times, this article will focus on the individual who will assume a formal command and the options that are available to them in obtaining and processing critical information quickly and decisively to bring about a successful outcome. Someone is going to need to take all this information and work it into a plan that takes into account the tactical and strategic priorities. The information we obtain from dispatch, performing a 360, radio reports from crews already on scene, reading smoke, occupants who are outside waiting our arrival and pre-incident plans all feed the initial size-up and help us develop a mitigation plan. Appropriate management of an incident begins with the incident size-up.
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