Incident Command Options PDF - Salt Lake City Fire Department

Operations Guidelines Incident Command Options Effective Date: 01/01/2012 Guideline Number 04-03B Revised Date: 05/02/2024 Number of Pages 02 1. Overview...

Operations Guidelines Incident Command Options Effective Date: 01/01/2012 Guideline Number 04-03B Revised Date: 05/02/2024 Number of Pages 02 1. Overview This guideline identifies and defines the various command options recognized by the Salt Lake City Fire Department. Use of the various options will be dictated by the incident and the tactical capabilities of the first arriving fire department member. These options are compliant with the National Incident Management System (NIMS) and outlined in the NIMSC manual and serve to define the first-arriving officer’s direct involvement in the incident. 2. Definitions Investigation: Command option used by first-arriving officer when insufficient visible indicators are available to determine the exact nature and extent of the emergency. When utilizing the Investigation option, the first-arriving officer (IC#1) conducts a size up of the incident based upon available information, transmits a brief arrival report (as outlined in 04-03C) and conducts a hazard assessment. The officer accompanies the crew as they attempt to gather information. Fast Action: Command option wherein the conditions/problems presented by the incident require the first-arriving Officer to assume a tactical or task position, possibly becoming physically involved in a task. When using the Fast Action option, the first arriving officer (IC#1) is responsible for conducting a size up of the incident, transmitting a brief arrival report (as outlined in 04-03C), conducting a hazard assessment and assigning resources as they arrive. IC #1 will remain in Command until: A. The incident is stabilized, allowing IC#1 to move to an unencumbered, fixed position and establish a formal Command Post B. Command is passed/transferred to another officer in an unencumbered position, i.e. the next arriving Engine officer or first-arriving Battalion Chief (IC #2) C. The incident is not yet stabilized and IC#1’s involvement in the tactic or task is no longer making a difference. IC#1 moves to an exterior, unencumbered, fixed position thus establishing a formal Command Post Command: Command option wherein the situation dictates that a strong strategic-level command presence be established from the onset. When utilizing this option, commonly referred to as Command mode, the first arriving officer (IC#1) conducts a size up of the incident, transmits a brief arrival report (as outlined in 04-03C), conducts a hazard assessment and begins assigning resources as they arrive. IC #1 establishes the Command Post in a fixed location, preferably outside the hazard zone and begins tracking the incident using the department’s First Arriving or Command Worksheet. IC #1 maintains Command until Command is transferred to another Officer (IC #2) (in an unencumbered position) or until the incident is stabilized/terminated. 3. Procedure The first fire department member to arrive on scene shall establish command and serve as the Incident Commander (IC #1) until Command is either transferred to another officer or the incident is stabilized and terminated. Based upon the needs of the incident, IC #1 shall function in one of the three aforementioned options (Investigation, Fast Action, and Command). The Command option does not need to be transmitted over the radio unless it is unclear based upon the IC #1’s description of initial actions. Example: Fire from Medic Engine 3. We’ve arrived on scene of a multi-vehicle accident. We’ll be out on patient care. Slow our ambulance to 10-40. Medic Engine 3 will have Lincoln Medical Command (Fast Action is the implied command option). All other response apparatus, with the exception of the first arriving engine/truck, should assume a position of tactical advantage off the incident block, based upon their direction of travel, and await an update or order from IC #1.