What is the primary goal of conducting an incident size-up?

The primary goal of conducting an incident size-up is to identify the problem(s) present at the scene of the incident. This process involves assessing the situation comprehensively, including understanding the nature and extent of the incident, evaluating the immediate hazards, and determining the needs for an effective response. By accurately identifying the problems, the incident commander can develop a strategic approach to address them, allocate resources efficiently, and ensure the safety of personnel involved.

Understanding the specific issues at play allows for quick decision-making and prioritization of actions. This foundational step is critical because it shapes the response strategy and impacts the overall effectiveness of the incident management.

While identifying the causes of the incident, the necessary resources, and personnel roles are important aspects of overall incident management, they are secondary considerations that arise after the initial size-up has established a clear understanding of the primary issues being faced.