New officers, are you ready to run the show?
Incident command is an essential function that every member must grasp early in their career. After all, just about any member could find themselves in this vital role, for example, if they are the first or highest-ranking member on scene. Would you know what to do? This FireRescue1 special coverage series shares a comprehensive approach for training members on the IC position, tackling the do’s and don’t of commanding your first fire, delivery of size-up quality reports and improving radio skills for new commanders, how to manage multiple crews, department procedures involving move-up assignments and more.
Five steps to establish a solid track record, plus key legal and ethical issues to consider
How to control emotions, use technology and “practice perfect” to enhance fireground communications
Strategies the IC can employ to effectively coordinate resources and handle the growing list of tasks
Preparing members for greater responsibility, including serving as the incident commander
Fire department incident command procedures should address initial actions, staffing and command transfer
Deputy Chief Steve Prziborowski explains how to effectively coach ICs at fire scenes, and shares some first fire do’s and don’ts
Tom Merrill discusses command presence – what it is and why it’s important
A quick trip around the building can illuminate key factors related to victims, building access and fire location
Using training and reinforcement to build organizational resiliency to manage events we haven’t experienced before
What new incident commanders should and shouldn’t do before, during and after their first fire
