Because of the dynamic nature and rapid pace of emergency incidents, an individual who has command or supervisory responsibilities in an ICS normally should not directly supervise more than ________ people.

In the context of the Incident Command System (ICS), effective supervision is critical for maintaining situational awareness and ensuring efficient communication and coordination during emergency incidents. The guideline that an individual in command or supervisory roles should not directly supervise more than five people is based on research and practical experience that indicate optimal levels of supervision.

Having a maximum of five direct reports enables a supervisor to maintain better control of the situation and ensure that each member receives adequate attention and guidance. This ratio helps facilitate clear lines of communication, promotes effective decision-making, and allows for detailed oversight of tasks being performed. When supervisors manage too many personnel, the risk of miscommunication and oversight increases, which can lead to confusion and inefficiencies in operations.

This principle is designed to enhance responsiveness and adaptability during dynamic emergency situations, ensuring that leaders can effectively respond to developing circumstances and provide the necessary support for their team. Such structure is particularly important in the chaos of emergency incidents, where every decision and action can significantly impact the outcome.