What is meant by “span of control” in ICS?

The concept of "span of control" in the Incident Command System refers specifically to the number of individuals or resources that a supervisor can effectively manage. This principle is essential in ensuring efficient communication and coordination among team members during an incident.

When managing personnel or resources, it's crucial to maintain an effective span of control to ensure that each supervisor can adequately oversee their assigned team. Typically, the optimal span of control is considered to be between three to seven subordinates per supervisor. This helps maintain clarity, accountability, and effectiveness in operations, preventing confusion and promoting a structured approach to incident management.

Maintaining an appropriate span of control is integral to the efficient functioning of the Incident Command System, as it directly impacts the ability to respond swiftly and effectively to emergencies.