Tactics, command, leadership

measures with uncertain effect but also to prepare for an alter-
native approach. One should, however, be careful not to waste
resources on obviously ineffective measures. An inadequate
increase in resources increases the need for tactical prioritising.
And then the application of measures of uncertain outcome is not
justifiable, as other important measures are called for. In such
a case any possible additional resources will probably not arrive
within the time necessary to initiate the important measures. One
should, therefore, largely consider limiting the further expansion of
the damage being caused, rather than applying measures in areas
that are probably beyond saving.
The rapid acquisition of available resources at the initial
stages of a response operation results in a decrease in the damage
caused. In the case of a response operation one should strive to turn­
out resources as early as possible in order to get on top of the destruc-
tive sequence in the shortest possible time. The gathering of resour-
ces creates, in addition, a degree of freedom of action in executing
the response operation.
There should also be a provision for reallocation of resources, i.e.
to reconfigure the operation, both within a single response operation
and between several simultaneous, ongoing operations. Through,
from the beginning, clearly identifying and defining the problem or
problems that are to be add ressed at the incident site or sites, and being
aware of the assist ance need and the capacity of resources, it is possible
to avoid undesir able developments that call for the redistribution of
resources.
Measures can be applied in time and space in various ways. When
it comes to rescuing victims, measures can be executed directly ­
releasing trapped passengers in a vehicle, for example. Less direct
measures for rescuing people can be to affect the destructive sequence
in order to create favourable conditions or through issuing different
forms of information to the general public. In terms of incidents &
accidents as physical phenomena, measures can be applied to assist
victims not currently affected but nevertheless threatened or against
factors that could cause problems in the future. It could also concern
measures against the direct physical damage.
It is now possible, on the grounds of the discussion above, to esta-
blish a number of general principles for the effective use of resour-
ces, which can provide the bases for the tactical configuration of re-
sponse operations.