What should the outgoing Incident Commander provide to the new Incident Commander for a smooth transition?

The outgoing Incident Commander providing a briefing to the new Incident Commander is crucial for ensuring a smooth transition of leadership. A briefing allows the outgoing commander to convey critical information about the incident, including the current situation, key personnel involved, ongoing strategies, and any upcoming challenges. It facilitates a verbal exchange where questions can be asked and clarified, which is essential in a dynamic incident response environment.

This approach encourages a comprehensive understanding of what has been accomplished, what is still needed, and the overall context of the ongoing operations. Effective communication during this transition can significantly enhance the effectiveness of the new commander’s ability to lead the incident response, as they gain insight directly from the predecessor.

While a report, documentation, or presentation might contain important details, they may lack the interactive and personal touch that a briefing provides, which can hinder the new leader's understanding of the nuances involved in the incident circumstances. Thus, the emphasis on a briefing emphasizes the importance of direct communication in high-stakes scenarios like incident management.