What is the function of the Incident Commander in ICS?

The function of the Incident Commander in the Incident Command System (ICS) is to assume overall responsibility for managing the incident and making key decisions. The Incident Commander is the individual in charge during an incident, responsible for establishing objectives, determining strategies, and managing personnel and resources. This role is crucial because it centralizes authority and ensures that decisions are made efficiently and effectively. The Incident Commander works to assess the situation, develop an incident action plan, and communicate with stakeholders to coordinate response efforts.

This central role enables the Incident Commander to adapt quickly to changing circumstances and guide the response in a cohesive manner, ensuring that all components of the incident response align with operational goals. Given the complex nature of incident management, having a designated leader who oversees all aspects and directs resources is vital for success in any incident response.