What is a critical first step in incident management according to ICS principles?

Establishing an Incident Commander is a fundamental first step in incident management according to the principles of the Incident Command System (ICS). The Incident Commander serves as the primary decision-maker and leader during an incident, coordinating all activities and resources to ensure an effective response. This role is crucial because it sets the operational structure and clarity in command that is necessary for a successful incident response.

With a designated Incident Commander, other team members understand their roles and responsibilities, leading to a unified effort towards the incident's resolution. The Incident Commander is responsible for assessing the situation, setting objectives, and formulating a response plan, which aligns with the need for a structured command to manage the complexities of an incident effectively.

While assessing community impacts, identifying stakeholders, and creating a resource list are important tasks within the broader context of incident management, they typically occur after an Incident Commander has been established. This initial appointment ensures that the response efforts are organized, which is vital for maintaining situational awareness and responsiveness throughout the incident.