The Challenge of Commanding with Limited Tools

On scene, incident commanders manage several inputs simultaneously: radio traffic, MDT updates, size-up, unit assignment, hazards, geography, situation tracking, and planning. Traditionally, these tasks are often tracked using legal pads, whiteboards, or mental notes. This may be sufficient for smaller incidents, but complexity grows quickly.

Some believe that a seasoned Incident Commander should be able to manage a second or third alarm entirely in their head. But this assumption fails to account for the reality of rapidly evolving conditions- structural collapse, advancing fire behavior, the declaration of a MAYDAY, and the addition of new alarm levels- all of which dramatically increase complexity. Amid this chaos, the IC must also maintain clarity to coordinate with incoming command staff effectively. When another chief arrives to support or assume command, the handoff becomes a critical moment where accurate, timely transfer of information can impact both operational effectiveness and firefighter safety.

Tablet Command creates a shared view of the incident. Assignments, units, locations, and timelines are visible in real time across the entire department.

Consider a 3rd alarm structure fire at 3:00 AM. As more units arrive, so do more variables: rescues, exposures, staging locations, and special hazards. When an additional chief arrives to assist or assume command, transferring that information takes time and can become a challenge.

Tablet Command provides a shared, live operational picture

Departments like Sacramento City Fire and Sacramento Metro Fire have integrated Tablet Command into their standard first-alarm structure fire response. The third-due Battalion Chief, if not otherwise assigned, begins managing the incident digitally using Tablet Command. By the time one of the first two BCs arrives and formally assumes command, the digital incident view is already populated with accurate, up-to-date assignments and incident status.

This approach enables:

• Responding Chief Officers to stay focused on driving safely, monitoring the radio, and establishing their command post—- without being burdened by dragging and dropping resources.
• Early incident accountability for 2nd alarm Battalion Chiefs responding, giving them situational awareness before being dispatched.
• Faster and more seamless command integration, allowing incoming command staff to begging supporting the incident with an up to date accountability board.

Additional features for incident command:

• Custom checklists for benchmarking or to support high-risk, low-frequency incidents such as high-rise fires, hazmat, active shooter, etc
• Rotatable interface for high-rise layout
• Incident time clock starts from the first dispatcher keystroke
• Digital command board up to date with units assigned by CAD
• Integrates with your staffing solution to know who is on which rig

All actions are time-stamped and synced across devices. Incident documentation is captured automatically for post-incident review.

Want to see how incident commanders are using Tablet Command to manage incidents with confidence?

Schedule a demo and we’ll walk you through how it works. See why Tablet Command is trusted by hundreds of departments across North America.

Frequently Asked Questions About Digital Incident Command

What are the challenges of incident command without digital tools?
Incident commanders often rely on legal pads, whiteboards, or mental notes. While this may work for smaller incidents, complexity increases quickly, making it harder to track updates and coordinate effectively.

How does Tablet Command support seamless command handoffs?
Tablet Command creates a shared, live operational picture. When additional chiefs arrive, they can immediately see accurate, up-to-date assignments and incident status, enabling faster integration into command.

Why do departments like Sacramento City Fire use Tablet Command?
Departments like Sacramento City Fire and Sacramento Metro Fire assign the third-due Battalion Chief to begin managing the incident digitally. By the time another chief formally assumes command, the digital view is already populated.

What features help manage complex incidents with Tablet Command?
Tablet Command includes custom checklists, a rotatable high-rise layout, CAD-integrated unit tracking, staffing integration, an incident time clock, and synced, time-stamped documentation across devices.