Who is responsible for consequence management at the scene of an incident?

The responsibility for consequence management at the scene of an incident primarily falls to the public safety agency with jurisdictional authority. This is due to their established roles, training, and legal authorization to manage emergencies, including organizing resources, establishing command, and ensuring the safety of all involved. They are specifically trained to coordinate the response to various situations, establish priorities, and deploy necessary resources effectively to mitigate the consequences of the incident.

While designated first aid teams and emergency personnel play crucial roles in providing immediate care or support, they typically operate under the directives and coordination of the public safety agency. Civilian volunteers, while often valuable in supporting roles, do not hold the same level of responsibility or authority to manage an incident's consequences, as they lack the formal training and decision-making power that public safety agencies possess. Thus, the jurisdictional authority of public safety agencies is critical for comprehensive and effective consequence management during incidents.