1. 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

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

3. 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

4. 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

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

6. 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

7. 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

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

9. 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

10. 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

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

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

13. 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