SRT Incident Command and Safety Protocols 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: In the Incident Command System (ICS), who is responsible for ensuring rescuer safety throughout a swiftwater operation?
- Operations Section Chief
- Safety Officer (Correct answer)
- Incident Commander
- Logistics Section Chief
Correct answer: Safety Officer
The Safety Officer has authority to halt any operation deemed unsafe and reports directly to the Incident Commander.
Question 2: When establishing a swiftwater rescue scene, what is the FIRST priority in the ICS size-up process?
- Identifying entry and exit points
- Life safety of rescuers and victims (Correct answer)
- Requesting additional resources
- Establishing a command post
Correct answer: Life safety of rescuers and victims
Life safety is always the first priority in any ICS size-up, including all swiftwater operations.
Question 3: A swiftwater rescue involves two separate victim locations 300 meters apart. Which ICS structure best manages this scenario?
- Single unified command with one safety officer
- Divisions or groups assigned to each location (Correct answer)
- Two separate incident command posts
- A Task Force assigned to the entire scene
Correct answer: Divisions or groups assigned to each location
Divisions (geographic) or Groups (functional) allow the IC to manage multiple operational areas under a single command structure.
Question 4: What does the term 'span of control' mean in ICS, and what is the recommended ratio for swiftwater operations?
- The distance a supervisor can monitor; 1:10
- The number of subordinates one supervisor manages; ideally 1:3 to 1:7 (Correct answer)
- The radio channels a supervisor monitors; 1:5
- The geographic area a team covers; 1:4
Correct answer: The number of subordinates one supervisor manages; ideally 1:3 to 1:7
Span of control refers to the number of personnel one supervisor can effectively manage, with 1:5 being optimal and 1:3–1:7 acceptable.
Question 5: During a flood rescue, which ICS principle ensures that rescuers from multiple agencies operate under a single coordinated plan?
- Modular organization
- Unified Command (Correct answer)
- Integrated communications
- Establishment and transfer of command
Correct answer: Unified Command
Unified Command allows multiple agencies with jurisdictional or functional authority to manage an incident together without losing their individual authority.
Question 6: A rescuer notices a second hazard (strainer forming downstream) not identified in the initial briefing. What is the correct protocol?
- Handle the hazard independently without disrupting command
- Immediately notify the Safety Officer or IC and update the IAP (Correct answer)
- Wait until the current operation concludes to report
- Ask a team member to assess before reporting
Correct answer: Immediately notify the Safety Officer or IC and update the IAP
New hazards must be immediately communicated up the chain to the Safety Officer or IC so the Incident Action Plan can be updated.
Question 7: What ICS document formalizes the operational objectives, tactics, and assignments for a swiftwater rescue operational period?
- Incident Briefing Form (ICS 201)
- Incident Action Plan (IAP) (Correct answer)
- Resource Status Unit log
- Demobilization Plan
Correct answer: Incident Action Plan (IAP)
The Incident Action Plan (IAP) captures all operational objectives, tactics, assignments, and safety considerations for each operational period.
SRT Incident Command and Safety Protocols 2
In the Incident Command System (ICS), who is responsible for ensuring rescuer safety throughout a swiftwater operation?