Which action does the 1st Arriving Battalion Chief take regarding command?

• A. Reports to Lobby for check-in and assumes Command after briefing
• B. Sets up Base and ICP
• C. Delegates to the next arriving unit
• D. Coordinates with the Medical Branch

Answer: (A)

On arrival, the first Battalion Chief acts as the initial Incident Commander and must establish command through a formal check-in and briefing. Reporting to the lobby for check-in ensures there’s an official transfer of responsibility, accountability for personnel and resources, and a shared understanding of the situation. After receiving the briefing, they assume Command, which provides clear leadership and a defined command structure for directing operations.

Setting up Base and the Incident Command Post comes after Command is established, and assigning or delegating to the next arriving unit occurs only within the established command; there needs to be a current command in place to delegate from. Coordinating with the Medical Branch is important, but it’s a function directed by the Incident Commander once command has been assumed.