Which authority should be consulted before performing extrication or metal cutting operations?

Which authority should be consulted before performing extrication or metal cutting operations?

• A. ARFF OIC
• B. Incident Commander
• C. Fire Chief
• D. Airport Manager

Answer: (B)

Consult the Incident Commander before performing extrication or metal cutting operations. On an airport incident, the IC holds overall responsibility for safety, incident objectives, and the coordinated use of all resources. High‑risk actions like extrication and metal cutting must be planned and directed within the incident’s unified approach, so the IC approves and oversees them to prevent conflicting actions and ensure seamless coordination among rescue, fire suppression, medical, and airside operations. The ARFF OIC may lead on-scene firefighting and rescue under the IC’s direction, but ultimate authority rests with the Incident Commander. The Fire Chief may be the IC in some cases, but on scene the designated Incident Commander makes the tactical decisions. The Airport Manager does not bear incident command authority for these operations.

Consult the Incident Commander before performing extrication or metal cutting operations. On an airport incident, the IC holds overall responsibility for safety, incident objectives, and the coordinated use of all resources. High‑risk actions like extrication and metal cutting must be planned and directed within the incident’s unified approach, so the IC approves and oversees them to prevent conflicting actions and ensure seamless coordination among rescue, fire suppression, medical, and airside operations. The ARFF OIC may lead on-scene firefighting and rescue under the IC’s direction, but ultimate authority rests with the Incident Commander. The Fire Chief may be the IC in some cases, but on scene the designated Incident Commander makes the tactical decisions. The Airport Manager does not bear incident command authority for these operations.