What is the primary role of Incident Commanders during a catastrophic event?

The primary role of Incident Commanders during a catastrophic event is to lead response efforts and make strategic decisions. This involves coordinating the various resources and personnel engaged in the incident response, ensuring that operations are carried out efficiently and effectively. Incident Commanders analyze the situation, set objectives, and develop strategies that align with the overall incident management system. They are responsible for directing response activities, determining priorities, and allocating resources where they are needed most.

While public relations, medical care, and communication with responders are crucial aspects of incident management, these functions typically fall under the responsibilities of other roles within the incident management structure. Public relations might be handled by a designated public information officer, medical care is provided by healthcare responders, and communication can be overseen by communication officers or designated teams. The Incident Commander's focus is centered on leadership and decision-making, which is essential for effectively navigating the complexities that arise during catastrophic events.