When must command be established at an incident?

Command must be established at an incident when three or more units are responding to ensure effective coordination and management of resources. This is crucial for maintaining situational awareness and organizing efforts among multiple units. Establishing command early allows for a clear chain of command, which is essential for decision-making processes, allocation of tasks, and efficient communication among teams.

In complex situations involving multiple units, such as in emergencies or large-scale incidents, having a designated commander helps to streamline operations and minimize confusion. This is especially important as the incident evolves and the need for strategic planning increases.

While the arrival of the first unit on scene or a critical situation may prompt some level of command organization, it is not until there are three or more units involved that a formal command structure becomes necessary to manage the complexities and ensure all units are effectively integrated into the response effort. An emergency call alone does not necessitate command establishment, as the call could be for a situation that does not require multiple units. Thus, the clarity and structure provided by command are most effectively implemented when three or more units are already engaged.