Incident Command Philosophy and Mindset

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Questions and Answers

What was the percentage decrease in total fire deaths between 1980 and 2021?

35%

50%

42% (correct)

66%

Which type of fire death saw the largest reduction by 2021?

One- or two-family home fires

Total fire deaths

Commercial building fires

Apartment fires (correct)

What was the rate of deaths per 1,000 reported home fires in 2021?

7.1

7.9 (correct)

6.5

8.3

What is considered the greatest fire threat to civilian life?

House fires Signup and view all the answers

Which component is NOT part of the Operational Triangle?

Budgeting Signup and view all the answers

The term 'ICS' in fire operations primarily refers to what?

Incident Command System Signup and view all the answers

What aspect is emphasized for ensuring successful fire operations?

Symbiotic interweaving of components Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is considered part of tactics in the Operational Triangle?

Forcible entry Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary focus of mission orders given by commanders?

Purpose of the operation Signup and view all the answers

What does Commander's Intent provide to subordinate commanders?

Clear expression of operation purpose Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes the command climate necessary for effective mission command?

One that encourages risk and initiative Signup and view all the answers

When an Incident Commander declares a life priority and offensive strategy, what does it establish?

Left and right boundaries for incident action Signup and view all the answers

What is the mission command mindset primarily focused on?

Controlling standards and expectations Signup and view all the answers

How does a culture embracing mission command benefit an organization?

It saves time during operations Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following activities is part of the 24-hour-a-day enterprise of mission command?

Drilling and pre-planning Signup and view all the answers

What is the significance of allocating appropriate resources based on assigned tasks?

To set conditions for success Signup and view all the answers

What has VEIS evolved into?

A window initiated search technique Signup and view all the answers

Why is communication emphasized as a critical issue during incidents?

It prevents misunderstandings and minimizes panic Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of performing a thorough, ongoing size-up?

To continuously assess risk versus gain Signup and view all the answers

What is meant by staying ahead of the incident power curve?

Being prepared for anticipated incidents Signup and view all the answers

What is the recommended strategy for communication during an incident?

Maintain a calm, clear, and confident tone Signup and view all the answers

Why is it important to establish ICS divisions and groups early?

To maintain a mission command ethos and manage chaos Signup and view all the answers

What does having a Plan B and a Plan C ensure?

Preparedness for unexpected scenarios Signup and view all the answers

What should be focused on when giving clear objectives?

Highlighting the most important tactical and control objectives Signup and view all the answers

What is essential for effective modern incident command?

Team collaboration and multi-dimensional preparation Signup and view all the answers

What does a span of control of 3:1 signify in modern incident command?

It is a more realistic approach for managing resources effectively Signup and view all the answers

Which command approach requires that all resources report directly to the incident commander?

Centralized Command Signup and view all the answers

What can be a consequence of an incident commander operating under a centralized command structure?

Overwhelmed incident command due to excess communication Signup and view all the answers

What does the quote 'Every battle is won or lost before it is ever fought' imply about preparation?

Victory heavily depends on pre-fight strategies and knowledge Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a characteristic of modern incident command?

Linear thinking Signup and view all the answers

Which element is crucial for incident command training according to the content?

Hands-on training in realistic environments Signup and view all the answers

What typically happens if an incident commander becomes overwhelmed?

They may no longer be able to command or control the situation Signup and view all the answers

What is the typical work period for wildland fires?

12-24 hours Signup and view all the answers

Which type of protective equipment is generally used for structure fires?

Cumbersome gear Signup and view all the answers

How does situational awareness differ between wildland fires and structure fires?

Situational awareness is hindered by smoke in structure fires Signup and view all the answers

Which condition is typically more predictable in wildland fires compared to structure fires?

Thermal insult Signup and view all the answers

What is the average duration of a wildland fire incident?

Days to weeks Signup and view all the answers

What is true about communications in wildland fires compared to structure fires?

Wildland fires support clearer communications Signup and view all the answers

Which type of fire has a historically greater loss of life?

Structure fires Signup and view all the answers

How does the progression of incidents compare between wildland fires and structure fires?

Structure fires progress relatively rapidly Signup and view all the answers

Which statement accurately describes overhead support in wildland versus structure fires?

Overhead support is plentiful for wildland fires Signup and view all the answers

What factor typically results in lower visibility in structure fires?

Smoke and heat Signup and view all the answers

What type of incidents are primarily discussed in the context of ICS applications?

Type 4 and Type 5 incidents Signup and view all the answers

What is a common struggle associated with Type 4 and 5 incidents that proper application of ICS can improve?

Communication Signup and view all the answers

Why do some fire officers struggle with ICS during structure fires?

They lack proper training Signup and view all the answers

What misconception exists regarding ICS based on its origins?

It is not suitable for small incidents Signup and view all the answers

How does a decentralized philosophy regarding incident command affect incident management?

It empowers officers to make independent decisions Signup and view all the answers

What aspect of incident management shows improvement with proper ICS application?

Accountability Signup and view all the answers

What critical event led to the development of ICS in the 1970s?

Large-scale wildland fires Signup and view all the answers

What challenge arises from ICS training that may inhibit its effective application?

Overemphasis on theoretical knowledge Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Command Philosophy and Mindset for Modern Incidents

Every battle is won or lost before it is ever fought.
Modern incident command is a team sport, requiring exponential thinking, multi-dimensional preparation, and decentralized decision-making.
Decentralized command is more effective than centralized command in modern incidents
The optimal span of control is 3:1, not 5:1.
Centralized command is where all resources report directly to the IC and all tactical decisions are made by the IC.
Modern incidents are immensely complex due to factors such as increased response levels, decreased response levels, building construction, low-mass synthetics, weather events, terrorism, civil unrest, etc.
Command span of control is a critical factor in effectively managing incident resources and should be considered by commanders in the field.
Training in areas such as tactical decision-making, building construction, fire behavior, and pre-planning is essential for incident commanders.

Decentralized Command versus Centralized Command

Decentralized Command: The IC has divided the incident into manageable parts and given tactical divisions/group supervisors the authority/resources to complete objectives.
In short, it gives division or group supervisors the authority to execute tactics in the manner they see fit.
Centralized Command: All resources report directly to the IC. All tactical decisions are made by the IC.

Mission Command—The Decentralized Military Model

The military lives by the principle of decentralized command.
Trust can only be developed through training and time.
No plan can account for every possibility, and most plans must change rapidly during execution.
The principles of mission command are competence, shared understanding, mutual trust, mission orders, commander's intent, disciplined initiative, and risk acceptance.
Mission command requires an environment of trust and shared understanding among commanders, staffs, and subordinates.

Developing Your Officers for Mission Command

The mission command mindset means command through controlling standards, expectations, and performance.
Leaders must train and educate subordinate leaders to demonstrate good judgment when exercising initiative.
Subordinates must be competent in their respective fields and confident in their commander's support.

The Operational Triangle and Core Values

Strategy and Tactics are the foundation of the operational triangle, focusing on incident priorities, strategy, and tactics (search, fire attack, vent, and forcible entry).
ICS (Incident Command System) is the national standard for commanding incidents.
SOGs (Standard Operating Guidelines) are the playbook; these are pre-assignments for structure fires.

Unacceptable Reasons to Call an Audible on an SOG

I didn't know the SOG
I don't like/agree with the SOG
I don't like SOGs in general
I don't like the people who wrote the SOG

Ten Commandments of Incident Command

Know the Enemy: Understand the nature and characteristics of the incident.
Know the Battlefield: Understand the physical environment.
Know the Weapons and Tactics of War: Understand tactical approaches and available resources.
Perform a thorough ongoing size-up: Continuously assess the situation and make adjustments as needed.
Stay ahead of the Incident Power Curve: Be proactive and anticipate future developments.
Communicate in a Calm, Clear, Confident Fashion: Effective communication is crucial for coordinating responses.
Give Clear Objectives: Ensure that all responders understand the commander's intent.
Establish ICS Divisions and Groups Early: Assign responsibility for different task
Have a Plan B and Plan C: Have contingency plans in place.
Have the Guts to Say No: Do not hesitate to make tough decisions when required.

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Description

Explore the principles of command philosophy and mindset necessary for effective management during modern incidents. This quiz delves into decentralized command, span of control, and the complexities faced in the current incident landscape. Assess your understanding of best practices in incident command preparation and decision-making.