What initial assessment should the Incident Commander perform?

• A. A 360-degree size up to gain situational awareness.
• B. A 60-second exterior scan only.
• C. A formal risk assessment after incident is contained.
• D. A medical triage of patients.

Answer: (A)

The initial action is to perform a 360-degree size-up to gain full situational awareness. By quickly taking in conditions around the scene on all sides—checking for hazards, access points, potential life hazards, exposures, utilities, and structural concerns—the Incident Commander can grasp the scope of the incident, identify immediate dangers, and determine where resources and actions should be focused. This broad, early view sets the foundation for safe entry, prioritization, and strategy.

A short exterior scan is helpful for a quick glimpse, but it won’t reveal hazards hidden around corners or inside the structure, and it won’t provide enough context to plan safely. Delaying a formal risk assessment until after containment means decisions are made with incomplete information and increased risk to crews. Medical triage is crucial, but it’s a specialized function that follows scene safety and initial strategy; it isn’t the IC’s sole or first assessment focus. Starting with a thorough 360-degree size-up keeps the incident grounded in current reality and supports effective, timely command decisions.