Tactics, command, leadership

gure efforts in different ways for different parts of the assistance
need. Sometimes the configuration of the total effort needs to be
oriented towards limiting the degree of damage done, by focusing
a large proportion of the resources on a specific part of the destruc-
tive sequence. An attic fire that is spreading from one to a neigh-
bouring building can, for example, be limited by dispatching BA
firefighters to one of the attic areas. Fighting a fire in this way can
require considerable resources for the specific purpose, even if the
total operation is oriented towards limiting the spread of the fire
to the neighbouring building. Another way of limiting the fire
could be to hose down the outer walls of the threatened parts of
the building. This way of applying resources requires that only a
small proportion of the resources needs to be allocated to the task,
but can be sufficient nevertheless. What needs to be weighed up
is the resource expenditure and the effects of different measures,
but the negative effects that may be caused in the form of, for ex-
ample, water damage must also be accounted for in the equation.
When there is a shortage of resources, it may only be possible to
prevent the spread of a fire in a certain direction or perhaps even
only delay its spread. In an overall perspective certain measures
may be executed to save something in a part of the damage zone
at the same time as a burning building is left to burn. Only parts
of the de structive sequence can then be tackled directly.
Which and to what extent resources are applied is deter mined
by the choices available in the particular situation, the nature of
the assistance need and the dynamics of the situation. Demands
on the tactical configuration of the operation are also based on the
resource availability for a certain period in relation to the need for
measures during that same period. Consequently, for example, if
resources are sufficient, the whole of an affected area can be tack-
led at the same time. An excess of resources allows for freedom of
action, which makes it possible to rescue several aspects of value
simultaneously. The availability of adequate resources provides
the opportunity to execute measures for which the outcome is
uncertain. As add itional resources can lengthen the sustainability
of the operation if initial measures are ineffective, some exces-
sive use of resources can be justified to quickly attempt to repair
the consequences of the ineffective measures. A measure that
is not fully successful may even restrain negative development
while the provision of additional resources is underway. Ade-
quate resources also provide not only the opportunity to execute