ABSTRACT
During an emergency response situation, the senior official, generally a fire service officer, shall establish a command post and become the officer-in-charge. Whoever takes command and establishes leadership of the situation is referred to as the Incident Commander (IC) and initiates the Incident Command System (ICS). The IC should have a thorough knowledge of personal protective equipment and clothing; why it is important in reducing exposure of personnel; what limitations there are on personnel wearing the chemical-resistant suits; and the physical and mental stressors that can be placed upon the response team. The individual that has been designated IC will have responsibility for controlling the operation at the site. The ICS allows for one person to assume overall command and control of the incident. This person can then delegate authority to other individuals having specific expertise for special tasks.
