Upon a member’s illness, injury, or exposure, who must the ISO immediately inform?

The Incident Safety Officer (ISO) plays a critical role in incident management, particularly related to the safety and health of personnel involved. When a member experiences an illness, injury, or exposure, it is vital for the ISO to immediately inform the Incident Commander (IC) because the IC is responsible for overall incident command and coordination. The IC needs to be aware of any health and safety issues affecting team members in order to make informed decisions regarding the operation's progress, resource allocation, and to implement any necessary safety measures or changes in strategy.

Notifying the Incident Commander ensures that proper protocols are followed and helps maintain the safety of the workforce, as the IC can initiate additional support, alter operational tactics, or convey necessary information to other personnel on the incident scene. This line of communication is critical for timely intervention and to ensure the well-being of all involved.

On the other hand, others mentioned, such as the Health and Safety Officer (HSO), EMS personnel, or law enforcement, may have their roles in the broader context of incident response, but the immediate communication from the ISO to the IC is essential for immediate situational awareness and response coordination.