Establishing Command

Command Procedures

• The first fire department member or unit to arrive at the scene of a multiple unit response shall assume command of the incident.
• The initial Incident Commander shall remain in Command until Command is transferred, or the incident is stabilized and Command is terminated.

Exceptions to Assuming Command

• One or two company responses that are not going to escalate beyond the commitment of these companies do not require the first arriving unit or officer to assume Command.
• Examples of exceptions include single-unit responses, check hazards, and any EMS calls requiring only one or two companies.

Initial Radio Report

• The standard Initial Radio Report includes:
  • On-Scene Report
  • Unit designation/on the scene
  • Building/area description (including occupancy, size, and height)
  • Obvious problem/conditions (including smoke and fire showing, working fire, and fully involved)
  • Action taken (including assuming command, laying a line, and attacking with...)
  • Declaration of Strategy (including offensive or defensive)
  • Command confirmation with name

Examples of Initial Radio Reports

• For an offensive structure fire:
  • Engine 11 to Alarm: "Engine 11 is on the scene of a large two-story school with a working fire on the second floor. Engine 11 is laying a supply line and going in with a hand-line to the second floor for search & rescue and fire attack. This is an offensive fire attack. Engine 11 will be 7th Street Command."
• For a defensive fire:
  • Engine 11 to Alarm: "Engine 11 is on the scene of a medium size warehouse fully involved with exposures to the east. Engine 11 is laying a supply line and attacking the fire with a stang gun and a hand-line to the east exposure to check for extension. This is a defensive fire. Engine 11 will be Buckeye Command."
• For an E.M.S. incident:
  • Ladder 11 to Alarm: "Ladder 11 is on the scene with a multi-vehicle accident. Give me the balance of a 2 and 1 medical with three ambulances. Ladder 11 will be Parkway Command."

Follow-up Report

• The Follow-up Report includes:
  • Any immediate safety concerns
  • Accountability started (announce the initial accountability location)
  • Disposition of resources (hold/add/return)
  • Disposition of IRIC (only required if IRIC will not be present)

Examples of Follow-up Reports

• For an offensive structure fire:
  • 7th Street Command to Alarm: "Engine 11 will be North side accountability. Give me the balance a 1st Alarm."
• For a defensive fire:
  • Buckeye Command to Alarm: "Engine 11 will be South side accountability. Give me the balance of a 1st Alarm."
• For an E.M.S. incident:
  • Parkway Command to Alarm: "Be advised we have a total of 3 patients, 2 Immediates and 1 delayed. All patients have been extricated."