In incident command, what does the term "span of control" refer to?

The term "span of control" in incident command refers to the maximum number of people a single supervisor can effectively manage. This concept is crucial in maintaining effective communication, coordination, and oversight during an incident.

In emergency management and incident command systems, maintaining an appropriate span of control allows supervisors to ensure that team members are supervised adequately, that tasks are being completed efficiently, and that safety is prioritized. Typically, an optimal span of control falls between three to seven individuals, with five being the most common standard. This range prevents supervisors from becoming overwhelmed, which can lead to breakdowns in command and control.

Understanding this concept helps incident commanders organize resources effectively and delegate responsibilities appropriately, which is essential for successful incident management.