Chapter 1 Vocabulary

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All-Hazard Concept

Back

Provides a coordinated approach to a wide variety of incidents; all responders use a similar, coordinated approach with a common set of authorities, protections, and resources.

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Chain of Command

Back

Order of rank and authority in the fire and emergency services.

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Unity of Command

Back

Organizational principle in which workers report to only one supervisor in order to eliminate conflicting orders.

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Span of Control

Back

Maximum number of subordinates that one individual can effectively supervise; ranges from three to seven individuals or functions, with five generally established as optimum.

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Company

Back

Basic fire fighting organizational unit consisting of firefighters and apparatus; headed by a company officer.

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Battalion

Back

Fire department organizational subdivision consisting of several fire service companies in a designated geographic area. A battalion is usually the first organizational level above individual companies or stations.

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Response District

Back

Geographical area to which a particular apparatus is assigned to be first due on a fire or other emergency incident.

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Mitigate

Back

To cause to become less harsh or hostile; to make less severe, intense or painful; to alleviate.

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Line Personnel

Back

Personnel who provide emergency services to external customers (the public).

Front

Staff Personnel

Back

Personnel who provide administrative and logistical support to line units (internal customers).