What is the process of initially evaluating an emergency situation to determine which actions need to be taken?

The process of initially evaluating an emergency situation to determine which actions need to be taken is referred to as size-up. Size-up involves gathering pertinent information about the incident, assessing potential hazards, understanding the environment, and determining the resources needed to effectively manage the situation. This step is critical for developing a situational awareness that guides decision-making and prioritizes actions for responders, ensuring both their safety and the efficiency of the emergency response.

During size-up, firefighters consider various factors such as the nature of the emergency, the number of victims, structural integrity, weather conditions, and other relevant details that may affect operational strategies. Establishing a clear picture of the incident allows for a tactical approach to be developed, which can significantly enhance the outcome of the response effort.

While response, dispatch, and arrival are all important components of the emergency management process, they do not focus specifically on the initial evaluation phase. Dispatch refers to the act of sending resources to the emergency, response pertains to the actions taken once at the scene, and arrival marks the point when firefighters first assess the situation on site. Size-up, however, captures the key evaluation phase necessary before any tactical operations can commence.