Purpose:

To provide a clear and concise understanding of the Incident command procedure.

Policy:

Fire incidents, motor vehicle crashes, search and rescue incidents, and any tactical rescue situation necessitate a formal command structure. Routine medical calls do not, although the first medically trained person on the scene assumes care of the patient until he/she transfers that care to another equal or higher medically trained person.

Personnel arriving on location first shall provide a status report to include: type of structure, whether any smoke or flames are showing and if so, from what side(s) and/or level(s), any injuries or trapped victims, and call for additional resources if needed.

Personnel arriving on location first shall advise the dispatcher they are in command. Transfer of command shall follow SOG # OPER 01-008

Only the Incident Commander will mark situation under control.

**Law Enforcement has authority at all traffic crashes unless there is a fire, or a significant haz-mat spill**