Red Card Communication & Incident Command System (ICS) 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Which ICS principle ensures that each person reports to only one supervisor?
- Unity of command (Correct answer)
- Span of control
- Modular organization
- Chain of custody
Correct answer: Unity of command
Unity of command means every individual has a single designated supervisor, preventing conflicting orders.
Question 2: On a wildland fire, the Radio Frequency assigned for tactical operations between crews is called a _____ channel.
- Command
- Tactical (Correct answer)
- Ground-to-air
- Dispatch
Correct answer: Tactical
Tactical channels are used for on-the-ground coordination between crews and their supervisor during operations.
Question 3: What does the ICS term 'span of control' refer to?
- The geographic area a supervisor can see
- The number of individuals one supervisor can effectively manage (Correct answer)
- The distance radio signals can travel
- The number of resources assigned to a division
Correct answer: The number of individuals one supervisor can effectively manage
Span of control defines the manageable number of subordinates, ideally 3–7 with 5 being optimal in ICS.
Question 4: Which Section in ICS is responsible for providing communication equipment and frequencies?
- Operations Section
- Finance/Administration Section
- Logistics Section (Correct answer)
- Planning Section
Correct answer: Logistics Section
The Logistics Section manages communications equipment, facilities, and support services for the incident.
Question 5: When a wildland firefighter cannot reach their supervisor by radio, their first action should be to:
- Continue working and report later
- Switch to any available frequency
- Follow the last known order and attempt contact again (Correct answer)
- Stop all work until contact is made
Correct answer: Follow the last known order and attempt contact again
Firefighters should follow last known orders and continue attempting contact to avoid unsafe gaps in communication.
Question 6: The ICS 205 form is used to document:
- Incident objectives
- Medical treatment records
- Incident radio communications plan (Correct answer)
- Assignment lists
Correct answer: Incident radio communications plan
ICS Form 205 (Incident Radio Communications Plan) records radio frequencies and assignments for all incident functions.
Question 7: What is the purpose of a 'plain language' policy in ICS communications?
- To avoid using the phonetic alphabet
- To ensure all personnel use common terminology anyone can understand (Correct answer)
- To restrict radio use to supervisors only
- To eliminate the need for briefings
Correct answer: To ensure all personnel use common terminology anyone can understand
Plain language eliminates codes and jargon so all responders, regardless of agency, can clearly understand communications.
Red Card Communication & Incident Command System (ICS) 2
Which ICS principle ensures that each person reports to only one supervisor?