After arriving on the scene of an incident, what's the first task?

• A. Check-in and receive assignment
• B. Establish command post
• C. Assess hazards
• D. Set up incident command post

Answer: (A)

The first thing you do on arrival is check in and receive your assignment. This step creates accountability and ensures the incident command knows who is on scene, what resources have arrived, and what tasks are available or assigned. With your assignment in hand, you can quickly perform a scene size-up to identify hazards and determine immediate actions, and you’ll know whom to report to or coordinate with as the response unfolds. Establishing the command post or setting up an incident command post isn’t done until the command structure is in place and the IC has directed how the scene will be organized; those steps come after you’ve checked in and understood your role.