What is the first action that should be taken when establishing an Incident Command?

Establishing an effective Incident Command starts with a thorough assessment of the scene. This initial action allows responders to gather critical information about the incident, evaluate any potential hazards, organize resources, and understand the scope of the situation. By assessing the scene, responders can identify the number of patients, severity of injuries, environmental factors, and any immediate dangers that might affect operational plans.

This foundational step informs all subsequent decisions and actions, including determining specific incident objectives, establishing communication protocols, and planning for patient transport. Without a clear understanding of the scene, establishing a coordinated response could be haphazard, potentially jeopardizing patient safety and the efficiency of the operation. Therefore, assessing the scene is essential in laying the groundwork for effective incident management and prioritizing actions accordingly.