The IC conducts a PAR by calling for each Branch, Group, or Division in order. Which best describes this process?

• A. The IC sequentially asks each section to account for their personnel.
• B. The IC requires all units to check in with the Staging Area Manager.
• C. The IC uses roll calls only at the start of the incident.
• D. The IC relies on radio logs to track personnel.

Answer: (A)

A Personnel Accountability Report is an ongoing, structured check of everyone on the incident. The Incident Commander conducts the PAR by calling through the organization in order—Branch, Group, and Division supervisors report their current personnel status. Each supervisor confirms how many personnel are under their supervision, how many are Present, assigned to tasks, in rehab, or unaccounted. The IC uses these reports to confirm that every person on the scene is accounted for and to quickly identify anyone who is missing or in danger. This method provides a clear, real-time picture of personnel status and supports rapid safety decisions as assignments change.

Other options don’t fit as well because checking in with the Staging Area Manager is a different flow for locating responders entering the scene, not a comprehensive, in-order PAR. Conducting roll calls only at the start misses the ongoing need to track people as the incident evolves. Relying on radio logs alone can be unreliable due to gaps or miscommunications; a direct, structured report from each section is the standard way to ensure accurate accountability.