Transfer of Command PDF - Operations Guidelines

Operations Guidelines Transfer of Command Effective Date: 01/01/2012 Procedure Number 04-03D Revised Date: 10/30/2018 Number of Pages 02 1. Overview Transferring...

Operations Guidelines Transfer of Command Effective Date: 01/01/2012 Procedure Number 04-03D Revised Date: 10/30/2018 Number of Pages 02 1. Overview Transferring command from one person to another during the course of an incident is a common occurrence. This is done primarily to advance or improve upon the quality of the command system in place. Using a standardized process for transferring command ensures that critical information is maintained and that all personnel are accounted for throughout the incident. Transferring Command typically occurs as a result of one of the following three scenarios: Fast Attack to Command Post - Command was initially established with IC#1 utilizing the fast attack option (See 04-03B) and is assumed by either a later arriving company officer or by the responding Battalion Chief. Command Post to Command Post – Due to the nature of the incident, IC#1 elects to establish Command using the Command Post option. The responding Battalion Chief arrives on scene and assumes Command, reinforcing the Command Post with his/her response vehicle. End/Beginning of additional (2nd, 3rd, etc.) operational period. Command is transferred from member to member, typically chief to chief, as an incident transitions from one operational period into the next. 2. Procedure A. Initiation of Command The first fire department member arriving on scene shall establish Command as outlined in procedure 04-03C. B. Transfer of Command* The person assuming Command shall do so using the following process: 1. Arrive on scene and notify Dispatch of arrival 2. Contact Command either face-to-face or via the radio a. Face to face is the preferred method but may not always be possible due to the size, shape or complexity of the incident. 3. Receive briefing from the current Incident Commander which includes: a. Position and assignment of all resources on scene b. Current incident conditions – size, extent, nature of incident c. Progress toward completion of incident objectives (Benchmarks) d. Current resource determination (Hold, release, request additional resources, etc.) e. Any other needs 4. Member assuming command, notifies both the initial officer and Dispatch 5. Transfer of Command is acknowledged over the air by both the relieved member and dispatch 6. Command then provides the relieved officer with a new assignment (Return to crew, maintain tactical worksheet, etc.) Example: (BC arriving behind an Engine Officer utilizing the Command Post option)) “Fire, Battalion 2 arrived” “West Command from Battalion 2” “Go Ahead Battalion 2” (West Command – Engine 1)  “Can you come to the buggy for a face to face?” (Battalion 2) “Battalion 2 from West Command, that’s a negative at this time. I am on the Charlie side completing my 360.” “West Command from Battalion 2, I copy you have Engine 1 and Quint 6 on Fire Attack through the Alpha Side. Truck 2 is going to the roof for vertical ventilation and Engine 2 is working on a primary search. If this is correct, give me a CAN report.” “Battalion 2, that is correct. We still have active fire on the 2nd floor and are working to get a line on it now.” (West Command – Engine 1) “Battalion 2 copies active fire on the 2nd floor. I’ll be assuming Command at this time and assigning you Fire Attack. You’ll have Engine 1 and Quint 6 working for you.” Engine 1 Alpha copies Battalion 2 assuming Command, I’ll be Fire Attack with Engine1 and Quint 6 working for me.” “Fire from Battalion 2” “Go Ahead Battalion 2” “I’ll be assuming West Command. We are still in an Offensive strategy.” “Fire copies, Battalion 2 is now West Command, still offensive.” The arrival of a chief officer does not automatically mean that Command will be transferred to them. Depending upon the incident type, number of resources already on scene and the status of achieving an incident’s tactical priorities, it may be advantageous for Command to remain with the first-arriving officer and for the chief officer to assume a support position. Remember, transferring Command should improve upon the overall structure and management of the incident. This process should maintain Command in an unencumbered position allowing for the management and accountability of all resources on scene utilizing the department’s First Arriving and/or Command worksheets.