Command decision making: A training needs assessment

In the fire service, the first arriving officer at an emergency scene is responsible for taking charge. During the initial stages, the scene is often confusing and chaotic. Incident commanders are responsible for making critical decisions throughout the incident, often with incomplete information and under severe time constraints. The study's objective was to assess the need for command decision-making training for incident commanders.; A survey was sent to fire officers from several departments across the United States in order to obtain a wide sampling of training needs. A large majority indicated they did indeed need further training in both command decision making and a variety of related areas. With increased demands for emergency services in various specialized areas, the fire service would do well to develop additional training programs to ensure their fire officers are well prepared to make the tough decisions needed to save life and property.