What is the highest priority in an IAP?

In an Incident Action Plan (IAP), the highest priority is life safety. This principle is a fundamental component of emergency response and incident management. Firefighters and other first responders are trained to prioritize the safety and protection of human life above all other considerations.

This emphasis on life safety is crucial because all actions taken during an incident should first focus on protecting individuals who might be in danger. This includes both the people directly affected by the incident, such as victims or bystanders, and the personnel responding to the emergency.

Once life safety has been assured, other objectives such as incident stabilization and property conservation can be addressed. By prioritizing life safety, responders ensure that their actions are ethically sound and aligned with the overall goals of emergency services.