Upon arrival at an incident out of town, what is your first responsibility?

The first responsibility upon arriving at an incident out of town is to check in with the appropriate personnel. This is crucial for several reasons. First, it ensures that you are communicating with the incident command or the designated leaders on the scene, who can provide vital information regarding the current situation, the needs of the victims, and other ongoing operations.

Checking in allows for proper coordination with existing response teams, avoiding duplicated efforts or conflicting actions. Furthermore, it helps establish a clear understanding of the command structure and the specific role that you and your team will play within the larger response effort. By connecting with the appropriate personnel, you are also able to receive any safety briefings or updates that could be essential for your team's effective operation and safety in the field.

Setting up camp, briefing your crew, and inspecting the area are all important tasks, but these should follow the initial check-in. Establishing communication and understanding the situation is vital before engaging in logistical or operational activities.