12 Questions
What is the primary responsibility of the Incident Commander at an emergency incident?
Developing the Incident Action Plan
What is the main purpose of an Incident Action Plan?
To match needs and resources at the appropriate time
What is the key component of effective incident management?
Communication
What is necessary for the Incident Commander to effectively manage an incident?
Information updates from personnel at the incident
What must the Incident Commander consider when making decisions?
Current conditions and forecasting what might happen next
Who is responsible for informing Command of their Conditions, Actions, and Needs?
Each team of firefighters
What is a key objective of a defensive strategy?
Life Safety, Exposure Protection and Conservation of the Environment and Property
Why should conducting Offensive and Defensive strategies simultaneously be avoided?
Because of the potential danger to firefighters
What is a responsibility of the IC at the strategic level?
Developing an Incident Action Plan (IAP)
When should a partial PAR be conducted?
After withdrawing from an offensive attack and prior to initiating a Defensive strategy
What is an example of opposing hose streams?
Starting water tower operations without IC’s knowledge or approval
Why is it essential to assign specific tasks to Sectors or teams?
To ensure clear roles and responsibilities
Study Notes
Incident Management System (IMS)
- Clearly designates responsibilities for personnel at an emergency incident
- Ensures communication is a key component, with teams keeping Command informed of their Conditions, Actions, and Needs
Strategic Level
- Involves overall Command of the incident, led by the Incident Commander (IC)
- IC responsible for developing an Incident Action Plan (IAP) that defines objectives and determines resource allocation
- IAP essential to match needs and resources at the appropriate time
Incident Commander (IC) Responsibilities
- Strategize based on knowledge, training, experience, and information updates from personnel
- Direct, control, and track personnel and resources
- Make decisions based on current conditions and forecasting
- Improvise or change strategy as the incident dictates
Strategic Objectives
- Offensive Strategy: Rescue and Life Safety, Stabilization of the Incident
- Defensive Strategy: Life Safety, Exposure Protection, Conservation of the Environment and Property
- Avoid conducting Offensive and Defensive strategies simultaneously due to potential danger to firefighters
Practical Examples
- Avoid opposing hose streams
- Avoid starting water tower operations without IC's knowledge or approval
- Avoid breaking glass without requesting permission from Command
IC's Strategic Responsibilities
- Conduct a size-up of the incident
- Develop an Incident Action Plan (IAP)
- Determine the appropriate strategy (offensive/defensive)
- Set priorities and predict outcomes
- Provide updates to all utilizing the communication network
- Assign specific tasks to Sectors or teams
- Assign specific tactical objectives to Sectors or Branches
- Assign Sections, Branches, Sector Officers, or personnel
- Obtain and allocate additional resources
- Evaluate strategy and modify as needed
- Ensure safety of personnel and public
Learn about the Incident Management System (IMS) and the roles of various personnel during an emergency incident, including the Incident Commander's (IC) responsibilities and tactical objectives. Understand how communication plays a key component in achieving these objectives.
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