What defines a single command incident?

A single command incident is characterized by the decision-making authority being vested in one individual, typically referred to as the Incident Commander. This person is responsible for all aspects of the incident response, including the operations, coordination of resources, and communication to ensure a streamlined approach to managing the incident.

The advantage of having a single point of control is that it minimizes confusion and enhances the efficiency of the response efforts. This structure allows for quick decision-making and a unified strategy that can lead to more effective incident management. In scenarios involving multiple agencies or a broader collaborative approach, decision-making can become cumbersome and lead to miscommunication, which is why the concept of single command is a critical component in emergency management protocols.

In contrast, when there are multiple people supervising, decisions by a group of agencies, or efforts led by community leaders without a definitive command structure, the response can become fragmented. This fragmentation can hinder an organized response, which is why these scenarios do not fit the definition of a single command incident.