12 Feb, 2024 in Emergency Response and Preparedness
Andres Sebastian Nava
Chief Administrative Officer,
Nexus Criminal Justice Institute
A Command Post acts as the epicenter of operations during major incidents, orchestrating a synchronized response where timing, resource allocation, and communication are of the essence. It is here where strategies are mapped out and decisions are taken promptly to mitigate the impact of emergencies. The efficiency of a Command Post is a critical determinant in the management of crises, as it ensures a coordinated approach amongst various emergency services, thereby saving lives, preserving property, and restoring normalcy.
A Command Post, as defined by FEMA, is the "field location at which the primary tactical-level, on-scene incident command functions are performed." The primary functions of a Command Post include overseeing operations, coordinating with various stakeholders, and making tactical decisions. This hub facilitates effective communication between field operatives, senior officials, and supporting agencies, ensuring that accurate and timely information flows in and out seamlessly. The command post is instrumental in resource management, as it has a clear view of available assets and the authority to allocate them where they are most needed, often adjusting in real-time as the situation evolves. The adaptability and strategic oversight it provides can mean the difference between chaos and order during critical incidents.
The methodical approach to reporting at a command post (CP) is critical for maintaining order during an emergency. Law enforcement officers and resources are required to follow a clear protocol which typically involves checking in at a designated area, receiving briefings on the situation, and understanding their specific assignments. This systematic check-in procedure is crucial for accountability and management of personnel and resources. The CP scribe records all incoming and outgoing officers and resources, tracks their locations, and assigns tasks based on the evolving needs of the operation.
The challenges of not adhering to these reporting protocols can be substantial, ranging from miscommunication to ineffective use of resources, and can even result in additional risks for safety. Without proper check-in, there is no record of the personnel present at the scene, which complicates coordination and can lead to the misallocation of critical assets. Consequently, the absence of a well-managed CP process hampers the efficiency of emergency response, potentially escalating an already volatile situation.
In the midst of chaos, it is paramount that the Command Post (CP) be readily identifiable to all responding personnel. Utilization of universally recognized symbols plays a critical role in this regard. A prominent example involves the use of a white firehat, symbolizing command and control, paired with a conspicuous green light that acts as a visual beacon. This strategy ensures that, even in the throes of a chaotic emergency scene, the location of the CP remains unmistakably clear. These identifiers not only expedite the assembly and deployment of resources but also reinforce the hierarchy of command, aiding in the maintenance of order and focus among first responders. The unmistakable visibility of these symbols is designed to cut through the disarray, enabling an efficient and coordinated effort during operations where every second counts.
The choice of green for identifying the Command Post is not coincidental. The human eye is remarkably sensitive to the green part of the spectrum, owing to the high concentration of cone cells in the retina that are receptive to green light. Scientific studies have demonstrated that green is the most detectable color to the human eye, particularly in situations where it must be distinguished among a cacophony of other hues. This physiological predisposition makes green an optimal color for emergency scenes dominated by red, blue, and white lights. The stark contrast it provides ensures that it pierces through the visual noise of flashing emergency lights, smoke, and other visual impediments. By integrating a green light as a signal for the CP, it becomes a luminescent anchor point that can be relied upon for orientation and command recognition in the most intense and disorienting environments.
Micro Series™ Wearable Safety Light – Green/Green
Guardian Angel Devices, a reputable partner of American Police Training, provides a selection of critical equipment that is indispensable for an effective Command Post (CP) setup. Among their offerings is the quintessential green light beacon, an essential component of any CP kit. These beacons produce a distinct visibility that commands attention and denotes the nucleus of command, ensuring that the CP can be identified swiftly and efficiently by all who are involved.
Furthermore, Guardian Angel Devices caters to a variety of scenarios beyond the CP with their diverse range of beacon colors. These alternate hues prove invaluable for routine patrol duties, crash scene management, rural tracking, and other tasks necessitating high visibility in low-light conditions. This array of equipment ensures that emergency personnel are prepared for a multitude of situations, allowing them to respond effectively and maintain safety.
In order to bolster the efficacy of emergency management at the Command Post, it is essential to be equipped with additional tools that help streamline operations. Dry erase boards are indispensable; they provide a dynamic platform for tracking developments, sketching out strategies, and communicating shifts in tactics or resources among team members with immediacy and clarity. Alongside these, the incorporation of standardized forms and protocols from the Incident Command System (ICS) and the National Incident Management System (NIMS) is critical.
In the following section, we delve into case studies that highlight the profound impact of command post (CP) operations on the outcomes of critical shooting incidents. Time and again, after action reports have pinpointed communication shortfalls as key contributors to the escalation of such events. These reports reveal that in many instances, a significant number of casualties could have been averted had there been a swifter exchange of information with the CP. Ineffective communication often led to the CP being uninformed about crucial aspects such as the availability of tactical resources, the status of casualties, and the management of access points to the scene and staging areas. The ensuing case studies will dissect these incidents, examining how delays and misinformation can exacerbate an already volatile situation, and they will underscore the necessity of establishing robust, failproof communication protocols within command posts.
The Pulse nightclub shooting in Orlando, which occurred on June 12, 2016, stands as one of the deadliest mass shooting incidents in American history. Amidst the chaos, first responders and law enforcement agencies faced significant challenges in communication that had notable impacts on the response effort. The after-action report reveals critical moments where more effective communication with the command post (CP) could have potentially altered the course of response and rescue operations.
During the event, there were instances of fragmented radio traffic, limited information flow between the CP and the officers on the scene, and a lack of a consistent channel for communication. This resulted in some officers not receiving real-time updates about the shooter's location and the nuance of the evolving situation. Furthermore, the sheer volume of radio traffic led to transmissions being inadvertently stepped on or not transmitted at all, which added to the confusion.
The complexities of the crisis necessitated a unified command approach that was hampered by communication struggles. The report stresses the importance of establishing a designated radio channel for exclusive use by command staff; having an interoperable communication system that includes all participating agencies; and ensuring that regular updates are provided to all personnel involved in the incident, ensuring that response teams are aware of current developments.
Moreover, an integrated CP operation with clear, predefined roles and protocols for information dissemination could have mitigated some of the communication obstacles encountered. The event highlighted the need for rigorous training on effective communication strategies and the use of technology to streamline information sharing in real-time.
The Pulse nightclub shooting underlines the indispensable need for robust communication channels and protocols. These improvements are pivotal not only for the management of such critical incidents but also for minimizing casualties and ensuring the safety of both first responders and civilians.
For further insights, you can read the after action report at: https://portal.cops.usdoj.gov/resourcecenter/ric/Publications/cops-w0857-pub.pdf
The Las Vegas shooting incident revealed significant communication challenges similar to those observed in the Pulse nightclub tragedy. Among the most critical issues was the phenomenon of self-dispatching officers, where individuals, acting of their own volition, converged on the site without a formal deployment order. This influx of well-intentioned responders unfortunately led to over-saturation at the incident site, creating additional layers of complexity for command post (CP) coordinators trying to maintain situational awareness and allocate resources efficiently.
Adding to the turmoil, the CP encountered severe difficulties in obtaining accurate reports of casualties and their locations, which impeded the orchestration of egress and emergency medical responses. The report underscores the importance of creating and adhering to strict protocols for spontaneous volunteer responders to prevent further confusion in such crises. It underscores the necessity for clearly established lines of communication, whereby updates on casualty status and location are systematically channeled to the CP, ensuring that the most critical assistance is dispatched promptly to where it is needed most.
A detailed examination of the event and strategies for improvement can be found in the official after action report, available at http://www.crj.org/assets/2019/10/1_October_AAR_Final_06062019.pdf
The tragedy at the Aurora, Colorado theater serves as a stark reminder of the devastating consequences that can arise from communication failures during critical incidents. Prompt and effective establishment of a Command Post (CP) is crucial to ensuring clear and accurate communication.
As the chaos unfolded, there was a pronounced delay in officer response times, compounded by units inadvertently converging on incorrect locations. This disarray was further mirrored in the slowed evacuation process and the impeded transport of victims to medical facilities. The miscommunication was attributed to key breakdowns in the dissemination of real-time information, resulting in a response that was less coordinated than the situation demanded.
Clear communication, guided by the LCAN protocol—Location, Conditions, Actions, Needs—emerges as a critical tenet in managing such crises. Each element of LCAN plays a pivotal role: ensuring response teams are aware of the incident’s Location, the Conditions they are entering, the Actions required, and any additional Needs they might encounter. Adherence to this protocol can substantially improve coordination, making it possible for responders to formulate more effective strategies in real-time.
The After Action Report (AAR) for the Aurora theater shooting delves into these communication obstacles, analyzing their impacts on the ground. It reflects upon the challenges faced, and more importantly, lays out recommendations for refining response protocols to avoid similar issues in the future.
For an in-depth understanding of these critical lessons, the full AAR is available for review at: https://www.courts.state.co.us/Media/Opinion_Docs/14CV31595%20After%20Action%20Review%20Report%20Redacted.pdf
Across varying emergency scenarios, from active shooter situations to HAZMAT incidents and natural disasters, central themes emerge in the case reviews that underscore the universal importance of a coordinated effort. A consistent Command Post (CP) presence is paramount, serving as the nucleus for decision-making, resource allocation, and strategic response. It is not the magnitude of the event but the efficiency and effectiveness of the response that is heightened by the CP's role in emergency situations.
The CP's relevance extends beyond the immediacy of active attacks. In scenarios as disparate as environmental clean-ups after a chemical spill to managing resources during a widespread natural disaster, the principles of a well-established CP remain constant. It also plays a starring role in ensuring public safety during large-scale events, where the potential for incidents is high due to the concentration of participants. The anchoring presence of a Command Post across these varied situations proves that its implementation is not a mere contingency for the most dire of circumstances but a cornerstone of prepared emergency management.
The establishment and recognition of a Command Post (CP) in emergency situations is not merely a procedural formality; it is a critical component that can significantly impact the outcome of crisis management. The CP acts as the central nervous system of emergency response, ensuring that operations are conducted in a systematic, orderly fashion amidst the pandemonium that naturally accompanies a crisis. For authorities and organizations responsible for public safety, investing in a robust emergency response plan that includes the clear identification and operation of a CP is therefore not just beneficial—it is imperative.
In light of this imperative, the call to action is clear: Agencies must prioritize the development of comprehensive emergency response protocols that emphasize the role of the CP. Regular drills, clear signage, and universal symbols should be incorporated into these protocols to ensure that, when a crisis strikes, all personnel are equipped to quickly identify and rally to the CP. This readiness and clear-headed coordination is the cornerstone of effective crisis management, ultimately saving lives and mitigating the impact of emergencies. Let us commit to this life-saving practice now, so we stand prepared for whatever challenges may come.