What is the primary role of the Incident Commander at an emergency scene?

The primary role of the Incident Commander at an emergency scene is to manage operational resources. This involves overseeing all activities at the incident scene, coordinating efforts between various emergency response teams, and making critical decisions regarding resource allocation. The Incident Commander is responsible for establishing a command structure, developing an incident action plan, and ensuring that all operations are conducted effectively and efficiently.

By managing operational resources, the Incident Commander ensures that the right tools and personnel are available and utilized appropriately for the situation at hand, facilitating the overall response to the incident. This central management role is crucial for a successful resolution to emergencies, enabling a structured and coordinated approach to the challenges faced during the incident.

While other responsibilities, such as communication with higher command and overseeing safety, are important aspects of an Incident Commander's duties, the overarching focus is on managing the operational resources to achieve the team's objectives effectively. This includes assessing the situation, mitigating risks, and ensuring that all units are working cohesively towards the incident resolution.