Establishing/Initiating Command PDF

RIVERSIDE FIRE AUTHORITY FIELD OPERATING GUIDELINES ESTABLISHING / INTIATING COMMAND The first RFA member or unit to arrive at the scene shall initiate command of the incident. The initial In...

RIVERSIDE FIRE AUTHORITY FIELD OPERATING GUIDELINES ESTABLISHING / INTIATING COMMAND The first RFA member or unit to arrive at the scene shall initiate command of the incident. The initial Incident Commander shall remain in command until command is transferred or the incident is stabilized and terminated.  The first unit or member on the scene must initiate and announce, and name “Command”, and develop an ICS organization appropriate for the incident. The first arriving RFA unit activates the command process by giving an initial radio report. INITIAL RADIO REPORT:  Unit designation of the unit arriving on the scene.  A brief description of the incident situation (i.e., building size, occupancy, Haz Mat release, multi- vehicle accident, etc.)  Obvious conditions (working fire, Haz Mat spill, multiple patients, etc.).  Brief description of action taken.  Declaration of Operational Mode (see below).  Any obvious safety concerns.  Assumption, identification, and location of Incident Commander.  Request or release resources as required. RADIO DESIGNATION: The radio designation “Command” or “IC” will be used along with the geographical location of the incident (i.e., “7th Street Command”, “Metro Center IC”). This designation will not change throughout the duration of the incident. The designation of “Command” or “IC” will remain with the officer currently in command of the incident throughout the event. OPERATIONAL MODES:  Investigation Mode – Nothing visible or more checking needs to be done to establish extent of incident.  Offensive Mode – First arriving unit will be engaging in an immediate fire attack or mitigation efforts.  Life Rescue Mode – First arriving unit will be engaging in an immediate rescue of a known or obvious victim.  Defensive Mode – First arriving unit will be engaging in operations from a defensive position protecting exposures.  Offensive/Defensive Mode – First arriving unit will be engaging in offensive operations from a defensive position with the intent of going offensive once the situation.