At a TRI incident, who is the first to assume command upon arrival?

Upon arrival at a TRI (Technical Rescue Incident), it is the first-arriving company officer who assumes command. This is primarily due to the need for immediate leadership and decision-making in the chaotic environment of a technical rescue situation. The first-arriving company officer is trained to assess the scene quickly, begin establishing a command structure, and initiate operations while awaiting additional resources.

This decision is guided by the incident command system, which emphasizes that the first unit on the scene typically takes command until a higher-ranking officer arrives and can take over if necessary. In this context, without an immediate designation of an incident commander, the first-arriving officer is equipped to take charge of the situation, dictating initial safety measures and resource needs.

The involvement of other personnel, such as the chief officer or highest-ranking officer, may influence command dynamics later. However, the priority is on maintaining coherence and addressing immediate operational needs with the first officer in attendance.