Management of an emergency incident requires that company officers and their units quickly:

• A. Gain and maintain control of the incident scene
• B. Disassemble control and perimeter zones
• C. Involve mutual aid response in command positions
• D. Assemble and disseminate the post-incident critique

Answer: (A)

Establishing and maintaining incident scene control quickly is essential because it creates the orderly structure needed to direct resources, assign tasks, and protect responders. Gaining control allows the officer to establish incident command, set up communications, and define zones and a plan so everyone knows what to do and where to operate. This foundation enables effective coordination with any mutual-aid units and ensures accountability and safety as the incident unfolds.

Disassembling control and perimeter zones would remove the safeguards that keep the scene organized and safe. While involving mutual aid in command roles is important, the immediate priority is to establish command first and then integrate additional leaders as needed. Post-incident critique belongs after the incident is resolved, not during its management.