Leadership Framework

The 3 Rs of Operational Clarity

Initial Action Sequence for Incident Controllers

Context:The first 60 minutes of a high-consequence incident determine the trajectory of the entire response. Incident Controllers must establish control, secure communications, and verify facts before deploying resources. This framework stops premature tasking and enforces operational discipline.

1

Recognise Establish the baseline

  • Filter critical intelligence from noise. Identify the exact nature, location and scale of the incident.
  • Confirm immediate exposures. Locate personnel unaccounted for and identify critical infrastructure at risk.
  • Determine the escalation path. Assess fuel sources, hazardous materials and weather conditions that could worsen the situation.
  • Establish the hard facts. Do not make operational decisions based on unverified radio chatter.
2

Regulate Establish command

  • Declare Incident Command. Announce the establishment of command over the primary radio network.
  • Control the pace of the response. Slow down communications to speed up the resolution. Suppress the urge to rush.
  • Prevent self-deployment. Stop well-meaning personnel from attempting spontaneous rescues without coordination.
  • Lock down the scene. Secure access points and establish a strict staging area for incoming resources.
3

Respond Execute deliberate action

  • Activate the Trigger Action Response Plan (TARP). Align resources with established operational protocols.
  • Issue clear, concise tasking. Communicate explicit intent and boundaries to the Emergency Response Team (ERT).
  • Maintain a strict span of control. Do not exceed a 1:5 ratio of commander to reporting units.
  • Establish a Forward Command Point. Position it safely outside the hazard zone with a clear line of sight where possible.
RESOLVE

Emergency Management