What is the primary role of a company officer at an emergency incident regarding personnel?

The primary role of a company officer at an emergency incident regarding personnel is to ensure the safety of all personnel assigned to their unit. Safety is paramount in emergency situations, and the company officer is responsible for monitoring the conditions, assessing risks, and implementing safety protocols to protect firefighters and other personnel on scene. This includes making immediate decisions based on evolving circumstances, ensuring that all team members are accounted for, and providing guidance during operations to prevent injuries.

While encouraging teamwork among crew members, managing resources effectively, and conducting fire scene investigations are all important responsibilities, they are secondary to the fundamental duty of maintaining the safety of personnel. The presence of effective safety measures is crucial for allowing personnel to perform their tasks efficiently and effectively while minimizing risks during emergency incidents.