What are your key roles as an incident commander?

1 Establish command and control

The first role of an incident commander is to establish command and control over the incident scene. This means you have to assess the situation, identify the objectives and priorities, and assign roles and responsibilities to your team members. You also have to set up an incident command post, where you can monitor and direct the operations, and coordinate with other agencies and stakeholders. You have to ensure that everyone follows the same chain of command, and that there is a clear and consistent flow of information and communication.

2 Develop and implement an incident action plan

The second role of an incident commander is to develop and implement an incident action plan (IAP). An IAP is a document that outlines the strategy, tactics, and resources for achieving the incident objectives. It also includes the operational period, the safety measures, the contingency plans, and the evaluation criteria. You have to review and update the IAP regularly, based on the changing conditions and feedback from your team members. You have to communicate the IAP clearly and effectively to all the involved parties, and ensure that they understand and follow it.

3 Manage resources and risks

The third role of an incident commander is to manage resources and risks. Resources include personnel, equipment, supplies, facilities, and services that are needed for the incident response. You have to identify, request, allocate, and track the resources, and ensure that they are used efficiently and effectively. You also have to manage risks, which include potential hazards, threats, and uncertainties that may affect the incident response. You have to identify, analyze, evaluate, and mitigate the risks, and ensure that they are communicated and addressed appropriately.

4 Coordinate with other entities

The fourth role of an incident commander is to coordinate with other entities. These include other agencies, organizations, jurisdictions, or groups that are involved in or affected by the incident. You have to establish and maintain a common operating picture, which is a shared understanding of the incident situation, objectives, and actions. You also have to establish and maintain a unified command, which is a collaborative structure that allows multiple entities to work together and share responsibility for the incident management. You have to foster cooperation, collaboration, and integration among the different entities, and resolve any conflicts or issues that may arise.

5 Lead and support your team

The fifth role of an incident commander is to lead and support your team. Your team consists of the staff members who report directly to you, as well as the other members of the incident management team. You have to provide direction, guidance, and feedback to your team, and ensure that they perform their duties effectively and safely. You also have to support your team, by providing them with the necessary resources, training, motivation, and recognition. You have to create a positive and productive work environment, and promote teamwork, trust, and respect.

6 Evaluate and improve your performance

The sixth role of an incident commander is to evaluate and improve your performance. You have to monitor and measure the progress and outcomes of the incident response, and compare them with the established objectives and criteria. You have to identify the strengths and weaknesses of your performance, and the lessons learned from the incident. You also have to implement corrective actions, improvements, or changes, based on the feedback and evaluation. You have to document and report your performance, and share your best practices and recommendations with others.

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?