Which action does Incident Command take immediately after a MAYDAY is reported?

• A. Initiate a Personnel Accountability Report (PAR)
• B. Deploy a fast attack team
• C. Evacuate the area entirely
• D. Inform the public affairs office

Answer: (A)

When a MAYDAY is reported, the immediate priority is to know exactly where every firefighter is and who is safe. Incident Command quickly initiates a Personnel Accountability Report to rapidly account for all personnel on the fireground and to identify anyone who may be missing or in distress. This gives a clear, real-time picture of who needs rescue and where they might be, which is essential for directing the proper resources and initiating a rescue plan. Once the PAR is under way, the team can deploy a Rapid Intervention Team to the location of the MAYDAY and coordinate their efforts. Other actions like deploying a fast attack team, evacuating the area, or notifying the public affairs office are important, but they come after establishing accountability and beginning the rescue response.