Command & Control

1. Command & Control • Emphasis on “Control”

2. The Need for Command • “If there is no command, or multiple commands, fireground operations quickly break down...” - Alan Brunacini, Fire Chief (Ret.) Phoenix, AZ • “Where there is no vision, the people cast off restraint.” - Proverbs 29:18 • ...there was no King in Isreal, everyone did what was right in their own eyes.” - Judges 17:6 • “No man can serve two masters...” - Matthew 6:24

3. The Need for Command • Fires with no command or multiple commanders tend to produce chaotic, ineffectual action. • When units are not integrated under a central “game plan”, they will quickly engage in independent actions.

4. Command Defined... • “The function of directing, ordering, and controlling resources by virtue of explicit legal, agency, or delegated authority.” - IFSTA Essentials of Firefighting, 5th Ed.

5. Command Defined... • (Verb) to give an authoritative order • (Verb) to control or restrain

6. Command what? • In managing an incident, what activities are part of Command?

7. Control Defined... • (Verb) determine the behavior or supervise the running of • (Verb) limit the level, intensity, or numbers of

8. The Need for Control • Control of all elements of the incident ensure the safe, effective, and efficient use of resources • Without effective incident control, even the correct fireground strategies and tactics can produce chaotic results • It’s not just about doing the right things, but also doing them the right things, the right way

9. Command vs. Control • Even the an exceptional Incident Commander can lose control of the incident when they become solely focused on the visual image of the problem(s) and forget about (or fail to delegate) the other things going on around them

10. Command vs. Control...simplified • You give a dog a command...he carries it out • You’ve trained him in what to do when he hears a certain command • The real question is...can you control the dog once the dog becomes focused on carrying out the command?

11. So here it is... • Like dogs, we have to be given the right commands for the situation at hand • Like dogs, we like doing what we’ve been commanded to do • Like dogs, we (the ones carrying out the commands) become focused on the task at hand and fail, sometimes, to see beyond what’s in front of our faces • Like dogs, we must be controlled

12. What kind of things must be controlled? • Situational Awareness • IC & Supervisors must pay attention to what’s going on around the firefighters...because they usually are not...and you have the better view • Keep your eye on the big picture • Vehicular Traffic (public and FD) • Safe parking is for US and THEM!!! • Need a lane, take a lane • Wear your vest!!! • Watch your driving

13. What kind of things must be controlled? • Emotions • a chaotic IC will create chaotic operations out of a fairly simple incident) • Stress of the incident • share the stress with others; assign the stress of Side C to another officer • if you’ve got a big deal, take on a partner • Communications • Communication discipline with the dispatcher • Communication discipline while enroute • Communication discipline on the fireground

14. What kind of things must be controlled? • Use of Personnel Resources • Accountability/Point of Entry • Do you really need 4 people on that handline? • Thought about a RIC? • Do you have enough? • Where do you get ‘em and how? • All-call tone • Mutual aid • Is anybody left to pack the hose?

15. What kind of things must be controlled? • Use of Non-personnel Resources • Big Fire = Big Water...from where? • Airpacks/Refilling • They are 1/2 million dollar machines!!! • Don’t need the water? You may need the equipment! • Foam is expensive...make it count and don’t waste it

16. Command & Control Summary • They go hand-in-hand • You may have the best retriever in the world... • But if he doesn’t let go of the duck, then what?