Command Function #1

Assume, Confirm
& Position Command

Henderson Fire Department

Incident Command Training
 Objectives

Upon completion of this chapter, you should be able to:

¾ Describe the responsibilities of the first arriving units.
¾ Demonstrate the procedures for assuming command.
¾ Demonstrate the procedures for confirmation of
command.
¾ Identify and describe the various command modes.
¾ Demonstrate the procedures for transfer of command.
 Competencies
… The first arriving unit (officer) must assume initial
command.
… Assume and confirm command with a standard brief
initial report.
… Select the proper command mode.
… Establish a command post with the correct
positioning and support for current command mode.
… Package command for ongoing operations and
escalation.
… Correctly accept / continue / transfer command.
 Overview

“Assumption, confirmation and positioning

of command is critical to us.”

“This function becomes a launching pad for

the rest of the functions.”
 Command Function #1
Assume, Confirm, and Position Command

Major Goal:
“To quickly establish and confirm a
single IC and to place that IC in the
most effective initial command
position.”
 Command Function #1

Competency:
… First arriving unit (officer) must
assume initial command.
¾The basic objective for this function is for
command to start in a standard way.
¾Company officers must have a regular
routine that sets them up for success.
 Command Function #1

¾ Establishing Command:
– The first fire department member or unit to
arrive at the scene will assume Command of
the incident.
– The initial Incident Commander shall remain
in command until command is transferred or
the incident is stabilized and terminated.
¾ Normally a Company Officer, but could be
any fire department member.
 Command Function #1

You Assume Command with a

Brief Initial Report
 Command Function #1

Brief Initial Report

Unit Designation

Incident location

Assume and name command

Brief description of the situation

Action being taken & strategy declaration

*State immediate needs from incoming units or dispatch

 Command Function #1

Use location/occupancy
to name command
 Command Function #1

Follow-up Report

*Situational update

*Resource determination

*Any immediate safety concerns

*Clarify command mode & strategy if not done in BIR

Note: *if needed

 Command Function #1

How is command Confirmed?

 Command Function #1

¾ Responding companies must fall under one of

the following four standard status categories:
1. Stage
2. Transfer and take command
3. If requested, take command
4. Join the IC
 Command Function #1

Competency:
… The initial IC must select the proper
Command Mode (or position)

Investigative, Fast Attack, or Command.

 Command Function #1

Command Modes
Investigative Command Mode
 Command Function #1

You are the initial arriving unit and cannot determine

the basic (extent/location) problem?
 Command Function #1

Command Modes
Fast Attack Command Mode

The fast attack mode must end quickly in one of three ways
 Command Function #1
Command Modes
The “Command Mode”

(crew options???)
 Command Function #1

Competency:
… Establish a command post with the
correct positioning and support for
the current command mode.
¾ The three command modes
¾ The standard command position
¾ Command post advantages
 Command Function #1

Competency:
… Package command for ongoing
operations and escalation.
¾ Use the standard pieces of the ICS to
control incident operations:
- Strong standard command
- Division/Groups
- SOPs
- Clear communications
- Standard strategy/ action planning
¾ Organizational game plan
 Command Function #1

Competency:
… Correctly accept / continue /
transfer command.
– First fire department member
– First arriving company officer
– First arriving Battalion Chief
*Second arriving Battalion Chief
*First arriving Deputy or Division Chief
*Discretionary for Deputy Chiefs & Fire Chief
 Command Function #1

Transfer of command procedures

become the core of the system…
Always matching the right amount
of command to the incident.
 Command Function #1
Assume, Confirm, and Position Command

Sets & Reps

What is your Brief Initial Report?

1100 Lead Street
Spring Apartments 100 Lake BLVD
1222 College Ave
Recon – Follow-up Report?
1225 Via Madea Road
100 Drake Ave
Blake Apartments 2223 Deer Lane
Recon – Follow-up Report?
4380 Samson
11000 Cedar HWY
500 Easy Street
Delgado Apartments 800 Lincoln Ave
Recon– Follow-up Report?
100 Paseo De Plata
8900 Lilly Road
Lake View Apartments 5500 Orange Ave
Brooks Apartments 4200 Valley View
700 Ball Road
Recon – Follow-up Report?
7800 Washington Ave
2200 Orange Ave
11000 Cherry
3400 Sky View
5600 Beach BLVD
Recon - Follow up report?
10 minutes please