When a member has credible information about a life hazard, what should the IC do?

The correct response in this scenario involves the Incident Commander (IC) taking appropriate steps to ensure the safety of all personnel involved while addressing the life hazard. The recommended action is to take immediate action, which is crucial in emergency situations where human lives may be in jeopardy.

When there is credible information about a life hazard, the IC must prioritize the safety of individuals, often necessitating urgent measures like initiating a rescue operation or ensuring first responders are protected. Immediate action can also involve coordinating with units on the scene to establish a safe perimeter and redirect resources toward addressing the identified life risk.

In this context, although the option to forward a report to the Chief of Operations may seem important, it is not the most effective or immediate response to a life hazard. Filling out reports and notifying higher management is vital for long-term operational oversight and review but does not address the urgent situation at hand. Therefore, the IC's priority should always be the safety and welfare of individuals in the immediate area.