What is the first priority of the Incident Commander when starting a major incident call?

The first priority of the Incident Commander when starting a major incident call is to establish control of the call and introduce themselves. This step is critical because it sets the tone for the entire incident response process. By introducing themselves and taking charge of the call, the Incident Commander fosters a sense of leadership and direction, which is essential during such chaotic situations.

Establishing control helps to ensure that the response is organized and efficient, allowing all participants to understand their roles and responsibilities. It also helps to establish a clear line of communication, where team members can feel comfortable contributing information and updates. This role is foundational for coordinating the incident response and making informed decisions throughout the resolution process.

While ensuring all team members are present, providing initial incident details to stakeholders, and preparing the ongoing communication strategy are also important tasks, they come after the initial establishment of control. Without this foundational step, efforts in those areas may be chaotic or ineffective, reducing the overall effectiveness of the incident management process.