IMS 104.3.7- Establishing Command

Study Notes

Begins with the establishment of Command by the Officer of the first Operations Division apparatus/vehicle to arrive on-scene
Initial Incident Commander (IC) remains in Command until Command is transferred or until the incident is stabilized and terminated

Initial IC assumes Command after conducting an initial size-up
Initial radio report to TFS Communications includes:
- Incident location (correct street address and/or common descriptive name)
- Brief description of the incident structure
- Brief description of signs visible upon arrival
- Brief description of action to be taken
- Confirmation of assumption and designation of Command
- PAR status
Single apparatus incident (e.g. rubbish fire, medical call) does not require initial radio report to include assumption of Command

Transmitted by IC before engaging in task-level activities
Includes:
- Result of a 360
- Any changes to the initial IAP
- Assignments for incoming apparatus
- Immediate safety concerns
A 360 shall be performed at every incident, and communicated if not complete
Example of first arriving report:

“Toronto Fire, Rescue 423 has arrived 123 Annette Street, we have a 3 story semidetached home, no signs. Rescue 423 Captain is Annette Command, investigating PAR 3."
Example: A Follow-up Report is as follows:

"Toronto Fire, Annette Command, 360 is complete, smoke visible second floor Charlie side, requesting a working fire response. Rescue 423 advancing a 45mm line to the second floor, PAR 3 Fast-Attack mode. R425 inbound I need a back-up line, A423 inbound I need ladders to the rear".

Where more than one fire apparatus is required, the first Officer arriving on the scene initiates the Incident Management System and assumes Command
If a Chief Officer arrives at the same time as the first suppression apparatus, the Chief Officer assumes Command after conducting an initial size-up

Mobile Command:
- Used when the initial arriving Company Officer is immediately required to investigate or be involved in a task-level activity
- Incorporates two distinct modes:
  - Investigative Mode: requires investigation by the initial arriving Company Officer
  - Fast Attack Mode: requires immediate action towards stabilizing the incident
Static Command:
- Requires immediate establishment of a Command Post, announcement of its location, and a name to identify Command
- Maintained and transferred to a Chief Officer on their arrival