What is the primary role of an Incident Commander?

The primary role of an Incident Commander is to oversee all emergency responses. This involves establishing a command structure, coordinating resources, and making strategic decisions to ensure a successful response to any incident. The Incident Commander is responsible for assessing the situation, determining the plan of action, and communicating with various teams involved in the emergency response, which can include firefighters, medical teams, and other support personnel.

While executing firefighting techniques is a vital part of firefighting operations, it is a task best suited for trained personnel under the direction of the Incident Commander. Similarly, leading evacuation procedures and providing medical assistance are critical roles, but they fall under the broader strategic planning and resource allocation responsibilities of the Incident Commander. The commander's ability to manage the overall incident ensures that all actions taken are coordinated and effective, ultimately contributing to the safety and efficiency of the emergency response.