Incident objectives that drive incident operations are established by
The correct answer and explanation is:
Correct Answer:
The Incident Commander or Unified Command
Explanation (300 words):
In the Incident Command System (ICS), incident objectives are crucial for guiding response efforts during any emergency or disaster. These objectives provide clear direction and focus for all responding personnel and agencies. The responsibility for establishing these objectives falls to the Incident Commander (IC) or, when multiple jurisdictions or agencies are involved, to the Unified Command (UC).
The Incident Commander is the person in charge of all incident activities, including developing strategies and tactics to meet the incident’s goals. When more than one agency has jurisdiction or responsibility (for example, fire, law enforcement, and emergency medical services), a Unified Command is formed. This team works collaboratively to establish shared objectives and ensure a coordinated response.
The incident objectives set by the IC or UC are documented in the Incident Action Plan (IAP). These objectives are SMART: Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound. They may include goals such as saving lives, protecting property, stabilizing the incident, and ensuring responder safety.
For example, during a wildfire, an incident objective might be: “Contain 80% of the fire’s perimeter within 48 hours while ensuring zero responder injuries.” This objective informs all operational decisions, such as resource allocation, evacuation planning, and containment strategies.
Establishing clear objectives early in the response helps ensure all responders understand their roles and responsibilities. It also helps in evaluating the effectiveness of the response and adjusting strategies as the situation evolves.
In summary, the Incident Commander or Unified Command sets the incident objectives that drive all incident operations. This central leadership ensures unity of effort, effective coordination, and efficient use of resources during any emergency response.