During a major incident, what should the Incident Commander prioritize regarding decision-making?

The focus of an Incident Commander during a major incident should be on maintaining a calm and rational approach to decision-making, even under pressure. Resisting the urge to make hasty decisions allows the Incident Commander to assess the situation thoroughly, consider the broader implications of potential choices, and avoid knee-jerk reactions that may lead to suboptimal solutions.

In a chaotic environment, it's crucial to weigh the risks and benefits of decisions rather than yielding to immediate pressures from stakeholders, which could lead to temporary solutions that do not address the root of the issue. This deliberate approach helps ensure that the decisions made are informed and strategically sound, facilitating an effective resolution to the incident while minimizing further complications.

Additionally, while gathering data and consulting with the team are important aspects of decision-making, prioritizing these actions without first stabilizing the situation can lead to delays in critical responses. The key here is that the Incident Commander must ensure that they are making thoughtful, well-considered decisions that can guide the incident to resolution effectively.