Incident Command

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Questions and Answers

What is a primary advantage of using the Battalion Command Platform during an incident?

It guarantees immediate incident resolution.

It eliminates the need for paper-based tracking.

It provides optimal visual coverage and command aides. (correct)

It requires fewer personnel to manage the incident.

How often should personnel accountability report (PAR) checks be conducted during hazardous operations?

Only at the start and end of the incident.

Every 30 minutes.

Every 20 minutes or less. (correct)

At least once per hour.

Which of the following is NOT a component of effective command and control during an incident?

Initiating and monitoring incident actions.

Using social media to update the public. (correct)

Providing regular updates on the lead tactical talkgroup.

Tracking crew accountability.

When is it necessary to assign an Incident Scene Safety Officer (ISSO)?

Whenever hazardous conditions are present. Signup and view all the answers

What method should be used to visualize elapsed incident time?

A visual method specifically designed for tracking time. Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary focus of developing a command team during an incident?

To enhance communication and leadership. Signup and view all the answers

What must the first arriving rostered Battalion Chief report with to the incident command post if it is not based in a BCP?

At least a MDC and the standard accountability and staffing documents Signup and view all the answers

Which method of managing incident command is recognized by MCFRS in the content?

Tactical Command Signup and view all the answers

What format should status updates intended for Command follow?

Location-Conditions-Actions-Needs (LCAN) Signup and view all the answers

Who must alert a command officer when personnel find a complex incident upon arrival?

Any unit officer present Signup and view all the answers

When may an EMS Unit Officer act as Incident Commander?

Only if no other unit officer is on the scene Signup and view all the answers

What must Primary Unit Officers announce during complex events?

The unit identifier of the Incident Commander and the named Command Signup and view all the answers

What is a key responsibility of the Incident Scene Safety Officer?

To ensure the well-being of personnel and safety measures Signup and view all the answers

What happens when an EMS Unit Officer establishes Command?

The first arriving Primary Unit Officer must assume Command Signup and view all the answers

What should be the primary reason for not using the Battalion Command Platform?

The view from the platform is more restrictive than another viable option. Signup and view all the answers

When should stationary command from the officer seat of fire apparatus be exercised?

As a last resort due to limited capability. Signup and view all the answers

Who is responsible for assigning IMS roles during incident command?

The Incident Commander or standard operating procedure. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a responsibility of the Incident Scene Safety Officer (ISSO)?

Monitoring and assessing safety hazards. Signup and view all the answers

What action can the ISSO take in an imminent life-threatening situation?

Stop or alter the action taken on scene. Signup and view all the answers

How should the Incident Commander maintain a reasonable span of control?

By using IMS components as necessary. Signup and view all the answers

What is the first action required if the ISSO takes action due to safety concerns?

Immediately report it to the Incident Commander. Signup and view all the answers

In what scenario is it acceptable to expand the IMS?

To maintain an effective span of control. Signup and view all the answers

What is the correct designation for the quadrants of a structure when viewed from the address side?

Alpha, Bravo, Charlie, Delta Signup and view all the answers

Which side of a structure is usually designated as Side Alpha?

The address side of the building Signup and view all the answers

What designation do exposures that are immediately adjacent to the sides of a structure assume?

They assume the same designation as the adjacent side. Signup and view all the answers

In a multi-story building, which floors are generally considered exposures if a fire occurs?

The two floors above the fire and the floor below Signup and view all the answers

How are floors typically numbered in a building, unless otherwise specified?

From the ground level entrance up, starting with the first floor Signup and view all the answers

What is meant by the floor designation when referring to the third floor?

It refers specifically to the third floor, not a functional designation. Signup and view all the answers

In multi-family dwellings, what is a commonly used designation for levels that are not directly at the ground entrance?

Terrace level Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following statements about floor designations in incident command is correct?

Floor designation is not grounded in physical layout. Signup and view all the answers

What distinguishes a terrace level in a structure?

The primary entry is via an interior corridor with a rear ground level exit. Signup and view all the answers

In the context of incident response, what is primarily indicated by the hot zone?

The area of highest hazard where incident action is occurring. Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of establishing isolation zones during an incident?

To define action areas according to relative hazards. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes the warm zone in incident management?

A transitional space between the high hazard and no hazard area. Signup and view all the answers

How should the various levels of a structure be designated according to incident command?

Through clear communication from unit officers to Command. Signup and view all the answers

When encountering a structure without conventional layouts, what must be communicated to the Command?

Details of the building layout and zones. Signup and view all the answers

What characterizes a cold zone in an incident response operation?

A zone isolated from all incident-related hazards. Signup and view all the answers

What role does the Incident Commander play in relation to isolation zones?

Oversees the creation and identification of hazards in the zones. Signup and view all the answers

What must the first arriving Primary Unit Officer do first upon arrival at an incident?

Conduct a size-up viewing all sides of the structure/area Signup and view all the answers

In stationary command, what is a critical step that must be taken before establishing command?

Request a report from the initial Incident Commander Signup and view all the answers

What geographical designation should the command name typically use?

Normally the street name Signup and view all the answers

Which zone is the incident command post established in?

Cold zone Signup and view all the answers

What should be done if there is an applicable Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) at an incident?

It must be used Signup and view all the answers

What action should the Incident Commander engage in to maintain command during an incident?

Provide direction to incoming units if no SOP is applicable Signup and view all the answers

What must be established by the Incident Commander regarding the incident?

Incident objectives Signup and view all the answers

Which component is critical for the first arriving officer to determine for effective incident management?

The incident strategy based on existing policies Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Battalion Command Platform and Incident Command

The Battalion Command Platform is the ideal location for incident command operations, providing effective oversight.
It should not be used if superior visibility exists at another site.
Stationary command from a fire apparatus is allowed, but it is a last-resort option due to limited capabilities.

IMS Components Usage

Assignment of IMS roles and functions is exclusively the responsibility of the Incident Commander or as per standard procedure.
The Incident Commander should utilize IMS components only as needed to maintain a manageable span of control.
Expansion of IMS is necessary to effectively manage complex incidents.

Key IMS Positions

Incident Scene Safety Officer (ISSO):
- Monitors safety hazards and ensures personnel safety.
- Does not participate in tactical operations.
- Has the authority to halt actions in life-threatening situations, with immediate reporting to the Incident Commander.
First arriving Battalion Chief must bring essential documents and a Mobile Data Computer (MDC) to the incident command post if it’s not at a BCP.

Tactical Operations and Command Function

Personnel must notify a command officer upon encountering a complex incident.
Any unit officer can announce command if it benefits the operation.
An EMS Unit Officer can become Incident Commander if no other officer is present.
Command must use tactical worksheets for tracking objectives and resources.

Communication and Tracking

Status updates for command must be formatted using Location-Conditions-Actions-Needs (LCAN).
Primary Unit Officers should announce the Incident Commander's unit identifier and a clear command name (usually the street name) during complex events.

Methods of Managing Incident Command

Tactical Command:
- Provides continuous command during incidents and tracks crew accountability.
- Employs an ISSO as required and selects the Battalion Command Platform for optimal visibility and resources.
- Uses methods to monitor actions, track time, and report on incidents effectively.
- Performs regular personnel accountability reports (PAR) checks, not exceeding a 20-minute interval in hazardous areas.

Policy Cancellation

This policy supersedes previous policies regarding Incident Command and Incident Command Teams dated 2002 and 2016.

Terrace Level Definition

A terrace level provides primary access to living spaces via an interior common area, with an additional exit at ground level at the rear.

Incident Layout and Command

In unconventional building layouts, unit officers must inform Command about the structure's design for proper incident management.
The Incident Commander must clarify the structure's various levels for effective response.

Isolation Zones and Action Circles

Isolation zones define incident action areas based on hazard levels and are shaped according to the incident characteristics, not always circular.
Hot Zone: Area with the highest hazard where actions are actively taking place.
Warm Zone: Transitional area with lesser hazards, separating the hot zone from the cold zone.
Cold Zone: Free from incident hazards; the command post is located here.

Tactical Command Responsibilities

Primary Unit Officer must conduct a comprehensive size-up from all angles of the structure.
Applicable Standard Operating Procedures (SOP) must be utilized if available.
The Command is typically named after the geographic location, specifically the street name.
Incident strategy and objectives must be announced as per other response policies.
Additional resources can be requested as needed, and radio updates are essential for coordination.

Stationary Command Procedure

The Incident Commander must ensure adherence to Tactical Command procedures before establishing stationary command.
Situational awareness and incident objectives must be clearly defined.

Structural Designation

Structures are divided into quadrants (Alpha to Delta), starting from the left front corner when facing the address side.
The incident commander can designate any structure side as Side Alpha, with others labeled clockwise.
Exposures are designated based on adjacent structure sides, with multi-story structures considering two floors above and one below as exposures.

Floor Designation

Floors are designated upward from the ground entrance, with the ground level possibly having a unique designation.
Each floor is numbered sequentially, with the first floor being the ground entrance unless otherwise designated.
The term "Division" refers to personnel assigned to that floor rather than the floor's numerical designation itself.

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Description

This quiz focuses on the Battalion Command Platform and the use of Incident Management System (IMS) components. It covers effective command operations, visibility considerations, and the assignment of roles by the Incident Commander. Test your knowledge on incident command protocols and best practices for fire operations.

Incident Command - IRP B