![]() Two definitions of control-the second ingredient of a good command and control concept-are “to exercise restraint or control over” and “to hold in check.” These definitions have a similar ring to the definitions of the word command but obviously are a step or two below the immediacy and authority of command. They permit rapid and effective handling of dangerous and developing emergency scenes in their jurisdictions. Establishing and, yes, enforcing the concept of command are vital to the capability of a fire department. If every order or directive was open for discussion, many emergency scenes quickly would deteriorate and become dramatically more dangerous for both the operating members and the civilians who await our immediate intervention in their emergency. Company officers-and to a greater extent, chief officers-need to expect that their troops will comply with emergency-scene directives immediately and without debate or discussion. These scenes are where the training, demeanor and experience of the IC need to be observed, obeyed and implemented. There is little if any room for discussion and debate at the scene of a working fire, building collapse or transportation accident. What activities require strict and consistent command rather than group participation? First and foremost is the emergency scene. Often, house duties and activities also are conducted with input and direction from personnel of various ranks, rather than as a command from a superior. Discussions or even actual training events often are conducted with input and agreement and even disagreement between the various participating personnel. There are many situations and activities that chiefs, company officers and firefighters participate in where command doesn’t apply or fit in necessarily. The word command is defined as “to direct with specific authority,” “to have or exercise authority or control over” or “to have authority over and responsibility for.” Each definition clearly points out that command is the activity of directing the activities and movements of the people who are being commanded. Let’s dissect the term and look at “command” as a standalone activity. Command and control is one of those things, because it provides a very effective on-scene atmosphere, where we do some of the most important work in our communities. But some other things that have been practiced for many years retain their value and should continue to be used by today’s chief officers and ICs. Often, changes work well and prove to be effective with the newer breed of firefighters. Some are configured more like a hotel than a firehouse, with individual bunk rooms and fewer group assembly areas. ![]() ![]() Training, for example, is conducted differently in some organizations, using more modern electronic software over shorter, more-focused time periods.įirehouse designs have evolved. More recently, the term is used less frequently, and the actual practice of commanding and controlling operations on the fireground is fading away in some departments.Īs years go by and new generations of firefighters enter and populate the fire service, some things change. The phrase “command and control” has been used for decades to describe vital skills and abilities that an incident commander (IC) needs to be effective on the fireground.
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