What is the role of the Incident Commander (IC) during an emergency response?

The role of the Incident Commander (IC) during an emergency response is primarily to manage incident assessment and strategy development. This responsibility includes evaluating the situation, determining the necessary resources, and formulating a plan of action to effectively address the emergency at hand. The Incident Commander must ensure that all operations are coordinated and that safety protocols are adhered to, leading to effective incident resolution.

In addition to being responsible for strategic decision-making, the IC serves as the primary authority on the scene, directing all personnel and resources to achieve the desired outcomes. This central role is essential for ensuring that efforts are streamlined and that responses are adapted based on evolving conditions during the incident.

The other roles mentioned, such as leading the post-incident report or overseeing public relations, while important, are not the primary focus of the Incident Commander during an active emergency response. The post-incident report typically occurs after the incident has been resolved, and public relations may involve other team members or departments who are tasked with communicating externally while the incident response is in progress. Coordinating training is a proactive measure for preparedness but does not pertain to the immediate responsibilities of the Incident Commander during an active event.