What is the function of an Incident Commander (IC)?

The primary role of an Incident Commander (IC) is to coordinate missions and staff operations during an incident. This involves establishing a clear command structure and ensuring that all team members and resources are utilized effectively to achieve the mission objectives. The IC will assess the situation, develop appropriate strategies and tactics for response, and communicate with various team members and agencies to ensure everyone is working cohesively towards the same goals.

While aspects such as rescue operations, handling media inquiries, and supervising equipment maintenance are important elements of an incident response, they typically fall under the responsibilities of other roles within the incident command system. The IC focuses on oversight and strategic planning rather than executing specific operational tasks or managing external communications directly. This command role is crucial for maintaining an organized and effective response to emergencies.