SIZE-UP DEFINED The mental evaluation made by an officer in charge of a fire or other emergency which enables him or her to determine the best course of action

Layman’s System of Size Up 1. Facts 2. Probabilities 3. Own situation (resources) 4. Decisions 5. Plan of operation

FACTS Number can be enormous Not all are relevant or immediately important Must be filtered and screened Pertinent considerations Time of emergency Location Type or nature

PROBABILITIES Large number may exist Filtering is required Probabilities versus remote possibilities Given initial attention Considerations Life hazards Construction type and reaction to fire Rate of fire growth

OWN SITUATION Think big Resources extension Reference resources Prefire plans, maps, building guides Considerations Immediate needs Eventual resources available Water supply

DECISIONS Obtain all pertinent material first Not cast in concrete Correct and modify as necessary Maintain flexibility Constantly review and assess Considerations Strategic mode Initial and supplemental

PLAN OF OPERATION May be modified or changed Constantly monitor and evaluate For effectiveness Requires issuing orders and instructions Management and supervision must be exercised

DIVISIONS OF FIRE FIGHTING R escue E xposures C onfinement E xtinguishment O verhaul S alvage V entilation

TACTICAL PRIORITIES R - first priority in all emergencies E - keep fire from extending C - smallest possible area E - attack and halt O - check and investigate V - remove heat, smoke, fire gases S - minimize damage

Strategy, Tactics, & Methods Strategy identifies goals and prioritizes objectives based on mode of attack Offensive or defensive Tactics are objectives that must be completed to achieve strategy Search, rescue, exposure protection Methods are evolutions to accomplish tactics Hose lay, ladder raise, medical aid

COMMAND DEFINED The systematic management of resources to reduce the impact of an emergency

COMMAND ACTIVITIES Collecting and analyzing facts Identifying and assessing of probabilities Determining resource capabilities Making decisions Implementing the plan

THE HUMAN ELEMENT The “perfect” commander does not exist Subject to human variables and flaws No two individuals will handle an emergency in the same way Perceptions differ Difference in experience and training Priorities may vary