MCCCD Program Description

Functions of Command

Course: FSC174

First Term: 2006 Summer I

Lec + Lab 1.75 Credit(s) 1.75 Period(s) 1.75 Load
Subject Type: Occupational
Load Formula: S

Description: Basic functions of command in the fire service. Includes brief history and future trends of incident command. Analysis of recent local, national, and international tactical and strategic concerns. Utilizes a Command Training Center to provide real-time, computer- and prop-enhanced simulations

MCCCD Official Course Competencies
1. Cite the advantages gained on the fire ground through early assumption, confirmation, and positioning of command. (I) 2. Describe which unit(s) initiate(s) assumption of command, and explain how this is accomplished. (I) 3. Identify and describe the three standard command modes. (I) 4. List several advantages of having a command post. (I) 5. Explain size-up as it relates to command. (II) 6. Use a tactical worksheet. (II) 7. During simulation, identify and respond to the critical fire ground factors. (II) 8. Explain the necessary components of the initial report. (III) 9. Cite the various events or conditions that warrant the use of emergency traffic. (III) 10. Explain the role of the incident commander in controlling communications. (III) 11. Describe the role of the incident commander regarding initial and ongoing incident deployment. (IV) 12. Describe the importance of forecasting on the fire ground. (IV) 13. Explain the importance of Level 1 and Level 2 apparatus staging. (IV) 14. Explain the incident commander`s responsibility regarding accountability. (IV) 15. Describe the relationship between the strategy and the incident action plan. (V) 16. List the tactical priorities in order, and describe their completion benchmarks. (V) 17. Use sectarization on the fire ground. (VI) 18. Demonstrate the ability to escalate an incident organization. (VI) 19. List and explain the organizational subcomponents present in an escalating event. (VII) 20. Describe the steps taken to terminate command. (VIII)
MCCCD Official Course Competencies must be coordinated with the content outline so that each major point in the outline serves one or more competencies. MCCCD faculty retains authority in determining the pedagogical approach, methodology, content sequencing, and assessment metrics for student work. Please see individual course syllabi for additional information, including specific course requirements.

MCCCD Official Course Outline
I. Assumption, Confirmation, and Positioning of Command A. Command and control B. Assumption 1. First arriving IC (incident commander) 2. Rank/transfer C. Command modes 1. Nothing showing (investigating) 2. Fast-action 3. Command D. Confirmation 1. Communicate 2. Name it 3. Attach responsibility and title E. Positioning 1. Command post advantages 2. Safety II. Situation Evaluation A. Size-up B. Basic information forms 1. Previous experience 2. Visual 3. Reported/reconnaissance 4. Pre-incident planning and familiarity C. Tactical worksheets D. Critical fireground factors 1. Building 2. Fire 3. Occupancy 4. Life hazard 5. Arrangement 6. Resources 7. Action 8. Special circumstances III. Communications A. Standard communication elements 1. S.O.P.s (standard operating procedures) 2. Training 3. Organizational management 4. Equipment 5. Channels 6. Standard language and techniques B. Communications participants and roles 1. Dispatch 2. IC 3. Command support staff 4 Operating units 5. Other agencies C. Forms of incident communications 1. Face to face 2. Radio 3. Electronic 4. Real-time video D. The order model E. Initial report F. IC`s role in communication G. Emergency traffic H. Communications guidelines IV. Deployment Management A. IC`s role B. Forecasting C. Dispatch process D. Staging E. Accountability V. Strategy and Development of the Incident Action Plan A. Size-up of critical fire ground factors B. Offensive operations C. Defensive operations D. Marginal situations E. The incident action plan F. The risk management plan G. Tactical priorities and benchmarks VI. Organization A. Basic organizational levels B. Sectors C. Expanding incident command organization D. Branches and sections VII. Review, Evaluation, and Revision A. Safety and tactical priority issues B. Challenging the incident action plan C. Revising the plan VIII. Continuing, Transferring, and Terminating Command A. When and how to continue command B. When and how to transfer or expand command C. When and how to terminate command

MCCCD Governing Board Approval Date: 4/25/2006

All information published is subject to change without notice. Every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of information presented, but based on the dynamic nature of the curricular process, course and program information is subject to change in order to reflect the most current information available.