Incident Command System Quiz

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Questions and Answers

Under which condition is a company officer likely to assume command at an incident?

If the incident's complexity exceeds the capabilities of a single response (correct)

During the recovery phase of the incident

Once the primary officer has passed command to others

When the incident is manageable by a single unit

What does passing command entail for the initial officer?

Relinquishing all responsibilities to the next officer immediately

Maintaining command until the new officer has arrived and accepted it (correct)

Ignoring the arrival of additional units to focus on the original tasks

Establishing a fixed command post for operational control

What characterizes the working or mobile command function?

Performing tasks while moving between locations and directing units (correct)

Ceasing all operational tasks to concentrate on communication

Being fixed in one location and overseeing the operation

Focusing exclusively on radio communication with no other actions

What is the primary indicator for entering investigative mode?

Absence of fire or smoke and a potential alarm signal Signup and view all the answers

When is an incident name and ICP location announced by the IC?

After a chief officer or permanent IC has arrived Signup and view all the answers

What should be communicated by the IC during the structuring of an incident?

The incident priority, strategy, and tactical objectives Signup and view all the answers

What is a misconception about passing command?

The passing of command is done with little to no communication Signup and view all the answers

Which statement about a company officer arriving first on the scene is true?

They have the authority to pass command but remain responsible until done Signup and view all the answers

What priority was emphasized for the incident in the first scenario?

Lifesaving Signup and view all the answers

What role did the individual assume after transferring command to the battalion chief?

Division supervisor Signup and view all the answers

How did the individual feel about their job performance after the first scenario?

Empowered and capable Signup and view all the answers

What command did the individual retain during the initial actions of the first scenario?

Incident command Signup and view all the answers

Which strategy was employed to enhance effectiveness during the incident management?

Assigning specific tasks to various companies Signup and view all the answers

What was a significant benefit of the new system adopted by the department?

Reduced duplication of efforts Signup and view all the answers

When was the individual promoted to battalion chief?

July 26, 2022 Signup and view all the answers

What type of incident was the crew dispatched to in the early morning hours?

Possible structure fire Signup and view all the answers

Which factor does NOT contribute to structure fire safety concerns?

Presence of historical artifacts in the structure Signup and view all the answers

What is a primary tactical consideration when responding to a structure fire?

Lifesaving operations and rescue Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT mentioned as a risk factor for roof collapse in lightweight construction?

Traditional timber framing Signup and view all the answers

What should be done before declaring an all clear in a fire situation?

Search all areas twice by different crews Signup and view all the answers

Which condition can lead to increased collapse potential during salvage and overhaul?

Deteriorated or unstable building construction Signup and view all the answers

Which scenario represents a high risk condition during fire operations?

Rapid changes in fire conditions Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following could potentially overshadow firefighting priorities?

Heavy occupancy due to economic pressures Signup and view all the answers

What is indicated as a potential hazard for firefighters working inside a burning structure?

Presence of vent point ignition and backdraft Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary focus of division and group supervisors during a fire attack?

Preventing lateral spread and handling evacuations Signup and view all the answers

Which aspect is NOT a component of being an effective tactical supervisor?

Remaining stationary for better observation Signup and view all the answers

What does the term 'Agile' refer to in the context of being a tactical supervisor?

Monitoring the larger situation while also focusing on immediate hazards Signup and view all the answers

Why is it important for a division/group supervisor to remain mobile during a fire incident?

To continuously assess and adapt to changing conditions Signup and view all the answers

What should a division/group supervisor prioritize when interacting with firefighters in a tactical area?

Maintaining physical contact to ensure communication and accountability Signup and view all the answers

How does the concept of a 'mother, may I?' system of command limit a tactical supervisor's effectiveness?

It restricts swift, autonomous action in chaotic situations Signup and view all the answers

According to Dr. David Griffin, what is the implication of the phrase "you don't know what you don't know" in fire ground command?

Assumptions can lead to gaps in awareness and understanding. Signup and view all the answers

What equipment is essential for a division/group supervisor to wear in a tactical area?

Full personal protective equipment, including SCBA Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary organizational structure utilized in fast-moving Type 4/5 incidents?

Both divisions and groups depending on the situation Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following statements regarding divisions and groups is incorrect?

A group works for a division in all circumstances. Signup and view all the answers

When would it be more appropriate to use a group rather than a division?

For organizing multiple crews focused exclusively on rescue. Signup and view all the answers

What determines the designation of divisions A-D in an incident?

The portal and side of entry into the incident. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a misconception about the use of divisions in ICS?

Divisions A-D are only useful during defensive operations. Signup and view all the answers

What flaw is identified regarding traditional ICS training?

It inadequately addresses the training for fast-moving incidents. Signup and view all the answers

What is a key difference between groups and divisions in ICS?

Groups are functionally organized while divisions are geographically organized. Signup and view all the answers

What is an effective span of control ratio for the Incident Commander mentioned?

3:1 Signup and view all the answers

What should be considered a lifesaving priority during an offensive strategy?

Fire attack and search Signup and view all the answers

In the event of inadequate arrival reports from the first-arriving company officer, what action can the chief take?

Provide a clearer description as part of their report Signup and view all the answers

Why is safety placed sixth in the list of priorities during an incident response?

Safety concerns can only be identified after assessing other factors Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of calling additional resource alarms early in an incident?

To ensure adequate communications channels Signup and view all the answers

What do the terms 'RIC' and 'two-out' refer to in the context of incident response?

Rapid intervention crew and protection measures Signup and view all the answers

Which command mode is appropriate for a situation with a high victim profile?

Offensive command mode Signup and view all the answers

What is a critical consideration for backup teams at entry points during a structure fire attack?

They must be separate from the rapid intervention crew Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a listed priority when responding to a fire incident?

Environmental restoration Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Incident Planning and Organizing

Incident commanders (ICs) are responsible for establishing incident action plans (IAPs)
The IAP begins with a size-up and then establishes incident priority, strategy, and tactical objectives
ICs must bridge the tactical gap by assigning tactical supervisors
Incident priorities include: lifesaving, incident stabilization, or protection of property/environment
Strategies include offensive, combination, or defensive
Tactical objectives drive tasks
Examples of "then/what if" mindset: checking exposures, calling additional companies, considering salvage and overhaul needs, adding companies for crew rotation
Tactical awareness and task saturation causing tunnel vision is common
ICs need tactical supervisors to see what task-level companies do not see
ICs need to maintain alignment between strategic, tactical, and task levels
Differences in topography and vegetation can cause significant variances in tactics
Offensive strategy is the primary forward-moving posture, especially in structure fires
Defensive strategy is a retreat, used for incident stabilization or property/environment priorities
A combination strategy has both offensive and defensive operations/spaces in the same incident
Incident priorities and strategies may change during an incident

The Incident Power Curve

Predictable sequence of events in most emergency incidents
Initially, activities are chaotic (first peak)
Followed by a lull as conditions improve (first valley)
Often followed by another peak due to unforeseen events (second peak)
Command lag is the difference between a critical event and the response time
Staying ahead of the incident power curve is a goal for incident commanders
It's important to have command maturity to keep ahead of the curve
Decentralizing command to supervisors helps with the "then/what if" mindset

The Tactical Supervisor

Crucial for bridging the tactical gap between the incident commander (IC) and the crews
Tactical expertise, knowledge of SOGs, tactics, fire behavior, and building construction are essential
Tactical supervisors must be constantly monitoring the tactical area, and alert for signs of deteriorating conditions
Active accountability (keeping track of crews' locations, tasks, and safety) is important
Keeping a "then/what if" mindset is crucial for anticipating future conditions
Examples of the "next" mindset: anticipating deteriorating fire conditions, considering collapse potentials, and ensuring coordinated ventilation.
Effective tactical supervisors communicate clearly, provide tasks to crews accurately, maintain alignment, and minimize radio traffic.

Incident Size-Up

Crucial first step for ICs
Covers 7 parts of the structure (4 sides, top, bottom, inside)
Includes construction type, common components, hazards.
Includes critical parameters: victim profile/exposure, conditions, resources, tactical objectives

Apparatus Placement

Important to consider early
Includes various factors to consider: size, lack of maneuverability, available space, order of arrival, conditions

Water Supply

Must be readily available, consideration of fire flow, additional methods to obtain water supply

Command

Only one IC at a given time,
Fundamental best practices: VP announcement, resources, etc
Command options: assuming, passing, or investigating, based on situation

Strategy

Confirming priority, strategy, and victim profile.
Strategy includes apparatus placement, water supply, and command mode (priority: lifesaving, incident stabilization, or property/environment; strategy: offensive, combination, or defensive)
Strategies may change in live incidents

Safety

Critical, must be considered before incident decisions and tactical objectives.
Considerations include excessive fire load, hazardous materials, high rack storage, structural collapse, and other risk factors.

Resource Tracking

Importance of resource tracking for accountability through the incident
Tools used for real-time updates regarding units' locations, task completion, and resources

Incident Templating

Using the ICS formula (Building + Conditions + Resources = ICS)
Building characteristics, environmental conditions, and available resources are considered in developing a template
Templates such as commercial/big boxes, strip malls, regional malls, apartment houses etc., have specific considerations

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Description

Test your knowledge on the fundamentals of the Incident Command System (ICS) and the roles of company officers during an incident. This quiz covers command transfer, communication, and strategic effectiveness within incident management. Understand key principles that guide effective command and operational functions.