What is considered the first priority in the command sequence for incident management?

The first priority in the command sequence for incident management is life safety. This principle is fundamental to emergency response and incident command because the primary goal in any emergency situation is to protect human life. Ensuring the safety of responders, victims, and any bystanders is critical during incidents, as hazardous conditions can rapidly evolve.

All actions taken during an incident must prioritize the preservation of life, dictating the sequence of operational activities. When formulating incident response strategies, any assessment or action plan must consider potential risks to human safety first, adjusting resources and tactics accordingly to mitigate these risks.

While other factors such as incident stabilization, property conservation, and resource allocation are important components in the overall incident management process, the aspect of life safety remains paramount. Operations and strategies developed later will still orbit around ensuring that safety measures are in place as the situation develops.