Firehouse World: Competent Command Essential at Incidents

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SAN DIEGO, CALIF. – A competent incident commander is essential not only for a successful outcome, but, more importantly, keeping firefighters safe.

Following a structured system, the person in charge will be more focused and not controlled by emotions, Mark Emery told students attending his Command Competency Workshop at Firehouse World on Monday.

Clear, concise communication is necessary from the beginning. Far too often, that’s one of the factors that contribute to firefighter deaths.

After the initial arrival announcement, and the officer says they are in investigative mode, “everyone needs to shut up,” Emery said, adding that it’s a crucial time.

“With no appropriate size-up, there won’t be accountability or an action plan and it can lead to poor consequences...You do not want NIOSH to visit your fire station.”

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Once the commander gives an arrival report that includes whether there is smoke or flames visible and the type of structure, they need to identify problems, report a plan and assign objectives.

“When they establish the command post by giving it a name and a location, they have to stay put,” he said. “The officer is just that, not a firefighter.”

Emery, a retired battalion chief from Woodinville Fire and Rescue in Washington, said just because the department has a large, fancy command unit, doesn’t mean they have a confident commander. The vehicle is just one of the tools, that’s it.

A competent commander will keep track of personnel and assigned tasks. “Focusing on four things – incident command, tactical accountability, action planning and communication discipline – make it work, make it work, make it work. It reduces imperfections.”

During the daylong session, the students from across the country participated in exercises as well as sharing ideas.

Emery said without a plan, bad things are going to happen. Freelancing and a stampede to fast tactics lead to disaster.

“I realize there is nothing black and white in the fire service,” he added.

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