What is the process that forms the heart of incident management?

The process that forms the heart of incident management is the continuous cycle of establishing, exercising, and transferring command during an incident. This is vital to ensure that there is a clear chain of command, which is essential for effective communication and decision-making.

Establishing command refers to the initial designation of the incident commander, who becomes responsible for the overall management of the incident. Exercising command encompasses the responsibility of the incident commander to implement a strategy, coordinate resources, and direct the actions of all involved personnel. Transferring command is equally important as it allows for the seamless handover of operational control, ensuring that the next commander is fully aware of the situation, ongoing actions, and any pertinent information that affects the incident response.

This process is fundamental because it creates a structured approach to incident management, allowing teams to respond effectively and adapt to evolving situations as they unfold. Proper command management ensures that everyone is working towards the same objectives and that resources are used efficiently and safely.