BY DAVID HESSELMEYER
“Engine 1 is on scene; have a two-story residential structure with fire showing from corner Alpha/Bravo. Initiating fire attack. Engine 1 officer has the command.”
Communications acknowledges the radio transmission and the updated scene information. They rebroadcast this information over the radio or incident channel informing incoming units of confirmed fire activity and an initial attack.
- Transferring Command
- Phil Jose: Reading Smoke and the Transfer of Command Process
- Take Command with NIMS for Fireground Success
- A Strong Command Presence Is Essential in All Incidents
A few minutes later, we hear, “Battalion 1 is on scene, assuming command.”
In this example, has this battalion chief properly assumed command? That is a multifaceted answer.
First, we must look at departmental policy. Fire departments should maintain a policy on how they will set up command and control of incidents, as does the Phoenix (AZ) Fire Department.1
Second, the incident itself should indicate to responders how soon that transfer of command is completed. For example, if Engine 1 is on scene without any other units except for the battalion chief, a quick transfer of command should happen based on the three overarching incident goals: life safety, incident stabilization, and property conservation.2
Third, what does our training in the incident command system (ICS) under the National Incident Management System (NIMS) say about the transfer of command? ICS outlines a more thorough process than just arriving on the scene and assuming command. Our line of work has the utmost need for flexibility. Although some incidents require a formal transfer of command, in our example above, it wouldn’t be wrong but may be a bit more involved than the initial attack of a residential structure fire would generally allow.
ICS principles describe when you should consider a transfer of command. There are no hard and fast rules for when you should initiate a command transfer. However, regular incident assessments should include determining if you need a change of command. Multiple situations indicate that you need a transfer of command, including but limited to the following:
- Legality and jurisdictional boundaries issues—e.g., when a jurisdiction without authority is on scene with command and a department with jurisdictional authority arrives on scene.
- To increase the the response’s effectiveness and efficiency.
- The incident changes from a simple to a more complex response that requires a higher level of knowledge, skills, and abilities.
ICS also describes the ideal steps for the transfer of command. These steps are encouraged as best practices but are often not possible in part or in whole because of the incident and many other factors. We can use all or some of them to ensure an efficient and effective transfer of command. An effective transfer of command decreases the risks and misunderstanding of the incident and increases the accountability of on-scene resources.
Face to Face
Transfer of command should follow certain standards when possible. First, the transfer should occur face to face. Doing the transfer in this manner reduces the chance of misunderstandings, creates an opportunity for information sharing (avoiding potential misinformation), and provides a general feel of the incident. So often, we have issues when we share information through texts, e-mails, and other digital communications; it has happened to me more times than not. So, I had to learn the limitations of each method of communication. Transferring command face to face allows for a more effective transfer.
Briefing
Transfer of command should include a briefing with information concerning the incident. In the example above, did the battalion chief necessarily receive a good briefing? Not likely. A poor briefing will limit the battation chief’s situational awareness, his understanding of what resources are on scene and are responding, and other risk factors for injury or death.
We should include the following in a transfer of command briefing:
Situational update. This includes pertinent information from bystanders, where the seat of the fire is if known, the resources that are on scene and what has been requested, as well as additional pertinent details.
Incident objectives. In the fire service, these don’t change much—life safety, incident stabilization, and property conservation. Where this is important is sharing what units are on scene and performing what actions at this time. These are not objectives but tactics to achieve those objectives.
Organization. What is our chain of command? Do we have one or two units on scene with the battalion chief as the incident commander now? As an incident becomes more complex, so will our organizational structure. If we have a four-story apartment complex with fire throughout the third floor, we will have a much more detailed incident organizational chart. Designate the operations section chief, the safety officer, and the person responsible for divisions and levels based on the current situation.
Resources and assignments. We should share what resources are assigned to tasks, what resources are still incoming, and what resources are not yet assigned. This is very important. As the incident increases in complexity, we need to increase our accountability to ensure safety. We also need to ensure that all units are assigned to a task or put in the staging area to prepare for assignments. Accountability is a recurring factor in National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health line-of-duty-death investigations.3
Other steps per ICS for transferring command include specifying incident facilities and communications methods. These can be important for a response but also are something that we in the fire service do not use regularly or preplan in policies and procedures, such as the radio channels used.
An effective and efficient transfer of command is important; don’t take it for granted. When done properly, there are few transitional impacts. However, if done improperly, it increases the chances of death, injury, and other negative impacts exponentially. The fire service is already dangerous enough; we need to decrease these dangers so we all can go home to our families.
Hopefully, next time, our transfer of command sounds like this:
“Engine 1 is on scene; we have a two-story residential structure with fire showing from corner Alpha/Bravo. Initiating fire attack. Engine 1 officer has the command.”
“Battalion 1 is on scene, linking up with Engine 1 officer.” Battalion 1 gets a quick yet thorough wrap-up of the situation, the organization, and the resources.
A few minutes later, we hear the following:
“Battalion 1 to Communications, I received a briefing from Engine 1 Officer and will assume command at this time. Engine 1 Officer is assigned as operations section chief.”
Now we have increased our chances for efficiency in our goals and decreased chances for injuries and death.
Endnotes
1. “Command Procedures.” Phoenix Regional Standard Operating Procedures. https://bit.ly/3ZlXTYX.
2. National Incident Management System, Third Edition. (October 2017). Page 3. https://bit.ly/3FVXRQQ.
3. The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH). Fire Fighter Fatality Investigation and Prevention Program (FFFIPP). https://bit.ly/3TPaHWz.
DAVID HESSELMEYER is a firefighter/emergency medical technician wth Buies Creek (NC) Fire Rescue. He is an adjunct instructor at Campbell University and teaches EMS and fire courses for Central Carolina Community College. He is a contributing writer for the Carolina Fire Rescue Journal, The Encourager, and Fire Engineering.
