What does "transfer of command" involve?

The concept of "transfer of command" refers specifically to the formal process of shifting the authority and responsibility for managing an incident from one Incident Commander to another. This is a critical component within the Incident Command System (ICS) as it ensures continuity in leadership and decision-making during an incident.

When a transfer of command occurs, it typically involves an exchange of crucial information regarding the current status of the incident, including ongoing strategies, resources in use, and any immediate needs or challenges. This process ensures that the new Incident Commander is fully informed and prepared to take over the management of the incident seamlessly.

While changing incident objectives, transferring resources between departments, or updating the incident action plan are all important actions within incident management, they do not specifically define the transfer of command. Instead, these actions may occur as part of the operational or planning processes under the new command but do not embody the essence of transferring authority which is central to leadership continuity in incident response.