What is meant by "chain of command" in incident management?

In the context of incident management, "chain of command" refers to a hierarchical structure of authority. This structure clearly defines who is in charge at various levels of the response effort, ensuring that decisions are made efficiently and that there is a clear communication path. Each person in the chain knows their specific role, responsibilities, and to whom they report.

This hierarchy is essential in incident management because it allows for organized and effective decision-making, particularly in stressful and rapidly evolving situations where clear leadership is necessary to coordinate efforts among various responders and agencies. By following a defined chain of command, organizations can ensure that resources are managed effectively, communication is streamlined, and incident response is executed successfully, minimizing confusion and enhancing operational efficiency.