When an incident results in serious injury or death of a firefighter, what role does the ISO take on?

In the scenario where an incident results in serious injury or death of a firefighter, the role of the Incident Safety Officer (ISO) is primarily to ensure the safety of personnel involved in the incident. The ISO is responsible for monitoring the scene for any potential hazards and making recommendations regarding safety practices.

While the ISO does observe the incident closely, particularly in evaluating safety measures during operations, they do not serve merely as a witness. Instead, the emphasis of their role is proactive in preventing further injuries and ensuring that all safety protocols are being adhered to. The ISO's involvement includes assessing ongoing risks and communicating these concerns to the incident commander and other relevant authorities.

In cases of severe incidents, the ISO may also later provide critical information and documentation that can assist investigators in understanding what occurred, but their primary function during the incident is to maintain safety and manage risks rather than merely witnessing or recording the events. Thus, focusing on safety measures is crucial in understanding their role during such serious incidents.