How do you determine the need for additional resources at an incident scene?

The determination of the need for additional resources at an incident scene is best achieved through continuous assessment of the situation and the effectiveness of the current resources. This ongoing evaluation allows responders to gauge the dynamics of the incident, including factors such as the size of the incident, the level of threat, the complexities involved, and the performance of the resources currently deployed.

Regularly monitoring the situation ensures that any changes—such as an increase in fire activity, casualties, or environmental hazards—are promptly recognized. This proactive approach facilitates timely requests for additional support, which can be critical in ensuring the safety of both responders and civilians, as well as the overall success of the incident response.

While consulting the police department or basing decisions on the location of the incident may aid in the overall situation awareness, they do not inherently provide the real-time evaluation needed to make informed decisions about resource allocation. Similarly, waiting for requests from the incident commander can lead to delays in response that may jeopardize the effectiveness of the operation. Therefore, continual assessment is essential for effective incident management.