What is the significance of establishing control at the start of a major incident call?

Establishing control at the start of a major incident call is significant because it provides structure and clarity for the incident response. In high-pressure situations where incidents can escalate quickly, having a designated leader or facilitator allows the team to focus on the tasks at hand without confusion. It helps in setting clear roles and responsibilities, which ensures that everyone understands what is expected of them.

When control is established, it enables effective communication among team members and helps in prioritizing actions based on the severity of the incident. This structured approach reduces the chances of miscommunication, ensures that all relevant information is shared promptly, and allows the team to function cohesively under pressure. In essence, a clear command structure helps in aligning the team's efforts towards a common goal, which is to resolve the incident as efficiently as possible.

While expediting the resolution process and reducing the number of decisions are important aspects of incident management, they are secondary benefits that stem from having a structured and controlled environment established right from the start. Hands-off management does not provide the necessary guidance and involvement required in a critical situation, thus detracting from the overall response effectiveness.