Size up

The Importance of Size-up

One of the most important things the first arriving unit must do at an emergency incident is to provide an accurate and informative size-up for other responding units, this is the first essential step in taking command and gaining control of an incident. The initial report should contain a statement of fact; the situation as you see it through the windshield, what has happened, what is happening now, and what is likely to happen as other units arrive. This report is critical for other responding units to hear and understand; it is the foundation on which the incident will be managed. Hazards must be identified whether it is an angry crowd, a downed power line, a tree or wall that may be ready to collapse or a hazmat situation. Advise incoming units of specific actions they may need to take to avoid the hazard. This can be as simple as advising them to stage at a safe location or take a specific route to get to the call.

Initial Scene Size-up:

What is involved?

□    Building, size, type, use

□    Vehicle, size, type, contents

□    People, number, nature of injuries

What is the nature of the emergency?

□    Fire

□    Explosion

□    Vehicle accident

□    Structural collapse

□    Natural disaster

Where is the problem occurring?

□    Specific location

□    Inside/outside

□    A/B/C/D side

□    Above or below grade

Is there a life safety issue?

□    Victims needing rescue

□    Entrapments

□    Potential hazards to the public and/or responders

Are other structures and assets at risk?

□    Exposures

□    Containment

□    Hot zone/cold zone

Are there any immediate needs that must be met by incoming units?

□    Water supply

□    Control utilities

□    Exposure protection

□    Traffic and crowd control

□    Additional assets such as squad truck, hazmat or EMS

Once a brief, concise initial size-up has been provided, the first in asset must take command, give it a name and declare an initial strategy. The name should be simple and descriptive. The initial actions can range from investigation, victim rescue or offensive attack. Determine if additional resources not yet dispatched required. As you are immersed into the scene clarify what needs to be done and why. As the incident develops you will be responsible for looking at the overall direction it is taking, apprising units of changing conditions and tactics, as well as scene safety and accountability for all units on scene. You must understand what is driving the incident and take deliberate steps to control it with the safety of responders and the public as the priority. You must evaluate the need for additional or special resources, you must identify and request them in anticipation of the need, do not wait until the incident forces you to request them. Until relieved of command by a superior you are responsible for continually updating your size-up and assigning incoming units to specific tasks to mitigate the situation or to staging until they are needed. Scene control is paramount; a poorly controlled scene will rapidly become congested, confused, ineffective and potentially hazardous.

Good Luck