BY ALAN BRUNACINI
We have been discussing both standard operating procedures (SOPs) and command functions for a while in our ongoing “Unplugged” discourse, so I thought it would make sense to present an example of the SOP for Command Function #1. This is a short, simple version that fits on one side of a 3×5 card. Wow! What an idea. The incident commander (IC) can carry an actual SOP in his shirt pocket rather than bury it somewhere in a big fat “Disaster Plan” notebook with two-inch rings that sits eternally unused on a lonely bookshelf in the battalion chief’s (BC) office.
Having the first arriver become IC #1 eliminates any zero impact, period, or ZIP. We grab control in the beginning, maintain control throughout, and never lose control.
The initial radio report is a standard way that IC #1 announces that initial command is “in business,” and the report provides the beginning of the ongoing communications process.
The standard initial radio report involves the following:
- Clear alarm.
- Unit ID.
- Location (on the scene, in the area, etc.).
- Building description.
- Hazard identification.
- Action taken.
- Chosen strategy.
- Assumption of command.
- Resource determination (add/hold/return).
At the end of the initial radio report, the first arriver formally becomes IC #1 by transmitting: “Engine 1 will be Main Street Command.” Now everyone is aware that we have an IC in place, and we have eliminated any ZIP. Naming command creates a quick and easy way to communicate with the current IC. Naming the incident keeps multiple incidents separated.
After IC #1 assumes command, the Communications Center (CC) transmits a confirmation radio report acknowledging that command has been assumed by saying, “Copy E-1 will be Main Street Command.”
This report verifies that IC #1 is set up and operating. If the initial arriver does not assume command, the CC or responding BC must inspire the first arriver to become IC #1.
How we manage command in the very beginning of the incident is a big deal—the system is simple but critical: The IC assumes command; the CC confirms it. Everyone is paying attention to verify a standard command beginning; the first five minutes many times can be more critical than the next five hours.
Standardizing the IC’s initial position is a critical part of initial command operations. Company officers do lots of investigative (nothing showing) and fast attack (working fire) mobile IC action. Responding (arriving) chiefs stay in the SUV and upgrade command inside a command post. This creates the best of both worlds: fast front-end command with a quick reinforced command transfer.
The system should establish a stationary remote IC inside a command post (CP) as quickly as possible. A CP improves the capability of the IC to establish and maintain a strategic level of command and control. In fact, we will not have a strategic level of command until we have an IC in a strategic position.
Retired Chief ALAN BRUNACINI is a fire service author and speaker. He and his sons own the fire service Web site bshifter.com.
