Tactics, command, leadership

Here we find a direct link between time and space, as closeness in

time also provides closeness in space, which, however, can also be

detrimental since a commander may then lose perspective of his

or her work tasks. If the path decisions and reports take is short,

their delivery time is also normally short.

One should also be aware to ensure that the perspective does

not become too large or too small. If the perspective becomes too

large, contact with reality may be lost. If it becomes too small the

overview is lost and there is too much focus on detail.

In the case of a geographically widespread incident or an ex-

tensive incident site, it becomes extremely difficult in practical

terms to obtain closeness to the whole area. The advantages given

in the above discussion then no longer apply, while the disadvan-

tages of leading operations from a temporary or distant location

remain. The disadvantages that must be weighed up against the

advantages are, for example, shortcomings in coordination, use

of audio­visual aids and the assistance of weather and wind. Un-

der such circumstances parameters other than closeness to the

incident site should steer the choice of location for the command

post. Incident command for a single response operation should,

however, under normal circumstances, be located close to the in-

cident site.

Command on a longer time scale or larger area than a single

response operation lies within the sphere of activity for the whole

rescue service organisation, i.e. at a higher decision making level.

There is then no geographic link to a particular incident site or

First to arrive

Second unit in place

Third unit in place

Fourth unit in place

Fifth unit in place

Sixth unit in place

Seventh unit in place

Eighth unit in place

The configuration of an
organisation takes
time, even if it is
preplanned.