Who can implement a Personnel Accountability Report (PAR)?

A Personnel Accountability Report (PAR) is a critical tool in incident management, used to ensure that all personnel on scene are accounted for. It can be implemented by various roles within the incident command structure.

The Incident Commander plays a pivotal role in managing overall operations and safety at the incident scene. They can establish the need for a PAR when there is any indication of missing personnel or when an operation reaches a significant milestone that necessitates a safety check.

Branch and Group Supervisors also have the authority to initiate a PAR, especially when they oversee specific divisions of an incident. This allows for accountability at all levels of the organizational structure, ensuring that everyone can pinpoint the location and status of each firefighter.

Moreover, the Safety Officer, who focuses on minimizing risks and ensuring the safety of personnel, can initiate a PAR as well. It is essential to evaluate the safety and accountability of all personnel, particularly in emergency situations.

Because all of these roles—Incident Commander, Branch and Group Supervisors, and Safety Officers—have the responsibility and authority to implement a PAR based on their observations and the evolving dynamics of the incident, it is appropriate to conclude that all of them can indeed implement a Personnel Accountability Report. This collective approach enhances operational integrity and safety for all personnel