1. An Introduction to INCIDENT COMMAND
This is an overview of the incident command/management system for firefighters

2. Presentation
Incident Management System (IMS) and the Incident commander
Risk management
Fire confinement and extinguishment
Size up
Accountability and PAR’s
PIAR’s – post incident analysis reviews
The OFM – Essentials of Incident Management has 21 areas that are discussed and practiced over a 4-day period.
We will discuss the following 6 topics to offer a basic overview of the expectations of the incident commander.

3. Why do we have an IMS? One person in command
IC’s may change, but always, only ONE person in
charge
Ensures that a strong command is visible
Establishes an effective organization
Provides a system for processing information
IC, even at a simple house fire, can be overloaded
with information
Allows for an orderly Transfer of Command
Ensures the maximum level of firefighter safety
accountability
A single scene commander
All personnel and resources report through this one commander
It helps to set up an organizational flow at the scene
If command needs to be transferred, there is no question as to who will transfer this function
Ensures strong control and observance of firefighter safety

4. Primary Responsibilities
What is the primary responsibility of the IC?
1. To ensure that the Tactical Priorities are met.
There are:
Tactical priorities
4 of them
Levels of command
Strategic
Tactical
Task

5. The 4 Tactical Priorities
Rescue
Stabilize the scene i.e. extinguishment etc.
Property Conservation
Firefighter Safety – ongoing throughout the incident
Not always in this order…..firefighter safety is always a focus of the incident commander.

6. Functions of Command
What does the IC have to do on arrival & while on scene?
Assume command and announce it!!!
Do a quick size-up
Set up a Command Post and announce it!!!
Initiate and control communications
Determine strategy and develop the Action Plan
assign companies
Develop an effective Incident Management organization
Provide the Tactical Priorities
Provide continuity in Transfer and Termination of Command
When you as the IC arrive on scene I expect you to……

7. Reporting Benchmarks
It is critical to understand the use and importance of “Benchmarks” in the Incident Management System. We may accomplish the tactical priorities out of order but that doesn’t change the way we rank their importance. As a result, the following benchmarks are always reported in the following order:
Primary Search – All Clear
Under Control (meaning, fire)
Secondary Search – All Clear
Loss Stopped (meaning, no more damage)
The 4 main benchmarks need to be met in order for us to ensure that we have met our tactical priorities:
Rescue
Scene control/extinguishment
Property conservation
Firefighter safety

8. Levels of Command
Whatever the incident, there are always 3 levels of command…
Strategic – the big plan
Tactical – operations
Task – performance
Before we look at these 3 levels……let’s look at what method of attack we can utilize.

9. Strategic Approaches
At the Strategic level, there are 3 terms that are indicative of the IC’s overall approach to the incident. They are…
Offensive – Aggressive, usually interior, fire attack that is intended to stop the fire at its current location
Defensive – Exterior fire attack with emphasis on exposure protection. The commitment of a fire department’s resources to protect exposures when the fire has progressed to a point where an offensive attack is not effective.
Which of the 3 would you think is of greatest concern to the incident commander? And why?
Marginal – Many times offensive/defensive conditions are clear cut and Command can quickly determine the appropriate strategy. In other cases, the situation is MARGINAL and Command must initiate an offensive interior attack, while setting up defensive positions on the exterior.

10. Strategic Responsibilities
2 Story Detached Dwelling
Pump 3
Garage
Pump 1
Rescue 1
Chief
Pump 2
D/Chief
Strategic Level – Incident Commander….
Develop Action Plan: determine strategy & overall incident objectives; set priorities; obtain & assign resources; predict outcomes and planning; assign specific objectives to the Tactical Level

11. Tactical Responsibilities
2 Story Detached Dwelling
Pump 3
Garage
Pump 1
Rescue 1
Chief
Pump 2
D/Chief
Tactical Level – Captain….
Direct activities toward specific objectives: responsible for geographic “areas” or functions; has responsibility & authority to meet strategic goals

12. Task Responsibilities
2 Story Detached Dwelling
Pump 3
Garage
Pump 1
Rescue 1
Chief
Pump 2
D/Chief
Task Level – firefighters….
Individual companies – “where the rubber meets the road”: usually commanded by a company Officer; goal is to accomplish tactical objectives
Any Questions to this Point???

13. Sectoring
What does the term “sectoring” mean to you? Why would we use sectoring and what are the types?
Types:
Geographical
Function

14. Geographical Sectoring
Often used in conjunction with locations around a structure. Can be termed either:
Alfa – Bravo – Charlie – Delta or
South – West – North – East
Your thoughts on which method is best?

15. GEOGRAPHIC SECTORING
C (3)
HOUSE
GARAGE
D (4)
B (2)
A (1)
STREET

16. Function Sectoring
Identities are assigned based on the task. Can be termed as follows:
Search & Rescue Team 1
Suppression Team 1
Ventilation 1
Water Supply

17. Command Organization How does all of this look organizationally?
Should there not be differences between small, medium and large scale incidents?
“Span of Control” criterion: once over 3-5 FF’s
In fact, there are differences…but, some important similarities as well.

18. LEVELS OF COMMAND P1 P1 P2 R1 VENTILATION SECTOR FIRE CONTROL SECTOR
EXAMPLE #1 P1 CO P1 CO
EXAMPLE #2 CO CO P2 R1
EXAMPLE #3 IC
CHIEF
DISTRICT CHIEF
One truck response – you are the whole team
3 truck response – the tasks are spread amongst the officers
And it can build as the situation builds.
DISTRICT CHIEF
VENTILATION SECTOR
FIRE CONTROL SECTOR R1 P2 P3 A1
CO’S
CO’S

19. Establishing Command
Usually the first arriving Officer stays in Command until a transfer or the scene is stabilized.
Question:
The first on-scene Officer has been in control of an incident since the start. He/she is doing a good job. A more senior Officer arrives at the scene but chooses not to assume Command because the first Officer is doing well. Who is responsible for the fire?
What are your thoughts?

20. Initial Radio Reports Vehicle designation – “P-1 Arrived”
Address – “20 Spruce St.”
Building type – “2-story residential brick structure”
Obvious conditions – “smoke showing at front”
Initial actions taken – “have established water supply and beginning primary search”
Declaration of Strategy “commencing Offensive Attack”
Obvious safety concerns – “heavy traffic, need police”
Assume command & give location – “Capt. Sparky establishing Command, Alfa-Delta side”
Request or release resources – “Control, Spruce Command. Dispatch EMS to this location”
Paint a picture with words – this helps all incoming units to understand what they are responding to.

21. Command Modes There are 3 possible Command Modes upon arrival:
Nothing Showing Mode
Fast Attack Mode
Command Mode
Let’s look at each one…..

22. Nothing Showing Mode … also known as “Investigative Mode”
What are some features of this mode?
Take crew, portable radio and check out the situation
Stage additional arriving apparatus
When the officer notes that there is nothing visible…..I now know that they are investigating and will report back on findings.

23. Fast Attack Mode
“What you do in the first 5 minutes often determines what you will be doing for the next 5 hours.” - Brunacini
What are some features of this mode?
Situations where immediate action is required
Retain radio and maintain Command
Should not last longer than a few minutes – you cannot maintain Command from inside a structure

24. Command Mode What kind of incidents would require establishing
Command Mode immediately?
Situations that are obviously large from the outset
IC establishes a Command Post immediately
A “Tactical Worksheet” is activated at this point!

25. Now let’s take a look at
Risk Management

26. About Risk
There will always be risk in the job we do. However, needless risk is unacceptable as it both injures and kills firefighters.
Who is responsible for assessing risk at an emergency scene?
First arriving Officer
All firefighters and Officers
Ultimately, the IC

27. Acceptable Risk Who determines the level of acceptable risk?
The IC has to determine the level of acceptable risk based on an on-going size-up
He must ensure that acceptable levels are NOT exceeded
What is an “acceptable” level of risk?
Significant calculated risk to save a life
Some risk to save property
NO RISK to save something that can’t be saved

28. The IC and Risk Management: Questions to Ask
Does the size, location and size of the fire warrant an offensive fire attack?
Do I have enough resources to carry out an offensive plan of attack? (human, physical – i.e. equipment/apparatus)
Is there rescue to perform? (rescue risks higher acceptability than suppression risks)
Should attack be delayed pending additional manpower? (If the answer is yes then all activities must be limited to the exterior)

29. IC Responsibilities
Conduct a thorough size-up. (What are some ways to do this?)
Determine strategic and tactical objectives. (What’s the difference between “strategy” and “tactics?”
Determine initial attack. (Offensive or defensive)
Develop an Action Plan.
All of these questions are asked and answered in a few brief moments……..

30. The Action Plan Driven by Risk Management
IC must weigh the danger or risks against the expected results
Contains Strategic and Tactical Objectives
Must be flexible and changeable based on changing conditions
Must have identifiable benchmarks or objectives

31. Fire Confinement and Extinguishment
Half way point…….take a 10 minute stretch…..

32. Fire Confinement & Extinguishment
The goal of the fire ground IC is ultimately to put the fire out. This is not always possible in the short term. Hose lines could be used in a “holding pattern.” There IS a difference between Confinement and Extinguishment.
Question: What IS this difference?

33. FIRE CONFINEMENT AND EXTINGUISHMENT1.
CONFINE OR EXTINGUISH? 2.
SIZE-UP CONSIDERATIONS
WHERE IS IT GOING?
WHO OR WHAT IS IN THE WAY?
TYPE OF CONSTRUCTION
REQUIRED FLOW?
UNDER CONTROL
LOSS STOPPED
“BENCHMARKS”
WHERE?
WHAT?
HOW?

34. Hose Placement Depends on function… confinement or extinguishment
Initial line between fire and victims
Frontal assault only when no other option is possible
Use with second line to push fire back to place of origin
Benchmarks
“Under Control”
“Loss Stopped”

35. Size Up and Exposure Protection

36. Size-Up & Exposure Protection
Initial size-ups must be viewed as just that: initial.
It must be an on-going process. Among the important decisions to be made relates to protection from exposures. More troops may be needed!
Question: When does size-up begin?

37. Size-Up: An On-going Process
Begins on Receipt of Alarm
Time of day or night
Weather – wind conditions, humidity etc.
Type of occupancy
Nature of the emergency i.e. working fire?
Other apparatus responding
Reports from citizens

38. Size-Up: An On-going Process (cont’d)
En Route
Pre-plan factors
Size & type of building
Building construction including roof
Water supply
Company assignments
Fire protection system connections
Access points
Normal building population
Fire protection equipment i.e. standpipe etc.
Fire flow required

39. Size-Up: An On-going Process (cont’d)
On Arrival
Fire Ground Situational Factors
Location, stage and extent of fire
Colour of smoke
Obstructions to operations
Apparatus on scene
People trapped?
Question: What other factors could there be?
What other factors?
Multiple fires…..arson
Blocked entrance/exits

40. SIZE-UP (RULE OF EIGHT)
2. CALL FOR HELP
3. LIFE SAFETY - RESCUE
4. CONFINEMENT - EXPOSURES
5. EXTINGUISHMENT
6. VENTILATION
7. SALVAGE
8. OVERHAUL
WHERE?
WHAT?
HOW?

41. EXPOSURES – TACTICAL CONSIDERATIONS1.
IS SUPPORT NEEDED? 2.
OUTSIDE COLLAPSE ZONE? 3.
FIRE FLOW AVAILABE? 4.
HOSE AND APPLIANCES REQUIRED? 5.
WHAT COORDINATION WITH OTHER TACTICS IS NEEDED? 6.
SAFETY CONCERNS?
WHERE?
WHAT?
HOW?

42. Accountability and Personnel Accountability Reports (PAR’s)

43. Accountability & Entry Control
Its primary purpose is FIREFIGHTER SAFETY! The IC is ultimately responsible for safety. Some departments have ISO’s and safety MUST be part of OG’s. All FF’s and Officers must comply with safety guidelines.

44. How the Accountability System Works
Accountability Officer
Keeps track of who is at the scene
Collect first Tag
Will sometimes be Entry Control Officer as well
Entry Control Officer
Records when FF’s enter the danger zone
Generally uses a pre-fabricated Entry Control Board
Reports to the IC and gives updates or notifies the IC of any unaccounted for FF’s

45. Personnel Accountability Reports
The purpose is to assist the IC in a person Inventory Control.
There are 8 appropriate times to call for a PAR…

46. PAR: Benchmarks 1. When “Benchmarks” have been achieved
“All Clear” and “Under Control”
Easy reminder for IC
Good delineation of the event

47. PAR: Time 2. After twenty and forty minutes 30 and 60 minute bottles
Some time to begin rescue if a firefighter is missing
Note: Some departments require the initial attack crew entering a building to radio to the IC or their Dispatch that they are “ON AIR” when they turn their cylinders on. This is to provide the IC and the Dispatch the reminder that the “clock is now ticking” in the countdown to a PAR.
Markham time test with our different SCBA cylinders:
12 minutes – 30 minute
16 minutes – 45 minute

48. PAR: Change of Command 3. When command is Passed or Transferred
This allows the new IC to be confident that all crews are accounted for

49. PAR: Significant Changes
4. When there is a significant change
Building collapse
Flashover
Backdraft
Rapid smoke build-up
Any other important event

50. PAR: Evacuation
5. After an ordered evacuation

51. PAR: Missing Personnel
6. Anytime Personnel go Missing
Activated PASS alarm
From radio report
From other source
Prior to activating RIT

52. PAR: Rescue of Firefighter
7. After the rescue of a firefighter who was previously missing
This is a good time to “take stock”

53. PAR: Offensive to Defensive
8. After a major change of strategy
It’s crucial to know everyone is out of the building prior to initiating significant defensive tactics that affect the internal environment

54. Post Incident Analysis Reviews “We need to learn from each experience”
PIAR’s
Post Incident Analysis Reviews
“We need to learn from each experience”

55. Post Incident Analysis & Review
The purpose is to improve performance and safety!
Let’s take a closer look at what P.I.A.R. is all about…

56. PIAR: Why? Why do you do Post Incident Analysis?
To give credit where credit is due
To point out concerns to the team
To analyze tactics – good and bad
It’s a good place for “soft intervention”
To obtain feedback from all those involved
Above all: TO IMPROVE PERFORMANCE!

57. PIAR: Who Conducts/Facilitates PIAR?
Who conducts a Post Incident Analysis?
Chief IC
Safety Officer
Outside Facilitator

58. PIAR: When? When do you do a Post Incident Analysis?
As soon as possible after the incident
Time clouds the memory
This is a good reason for all personnel to take notes

59. PIAR: Who is Involved? Everyone involved in the incident, if possible…
This may include… IC
Firefighters
Police
EMS
Dispatch
etc…

60. PIAR: How long should it take?
As long as practicable to ensure performance is improved.
(The first few PIAR’s a department does may take a little longer than subsequent PIAR’s.)
People may be reluctant at first
Remind participants that questions should be posed in a non-accusational manner
It may depend on the “culture” of the department

61. PIAR: Most Important Point
The purpose of a PIAR is to IMPROVE PERFORMANCE and NOTHING ELSE!

62. We have Covered
Incident Management System (IMS) and the Incident Commander
Risk Management
Fire Confinement
Size Up
Accountability
PIAR

63. Questions