What should DCO prioritize when responding to an emergency?

The focus of the Damage Control Officer (DCO) during an emergency is to oversee the response efforts and coordinate with personnel effectively. This role is critical because the DCO needs to ensure that all actions taken during the emergency are organized and efficient, allowing for a unified and effective response to the situation at hand.

By prioritizing oversight and coordination, the DCO is able to manage resources, direct personnel to where they are needed most, and ensure that safety protocols are followed. This oversight helps prevent confusion and ensures that everyone involved understands their roles and responsibilities during the incident.

While maintaining a calm environment, performing firefighting operations personally, or reviewing past emergency responses can be beneficial in certain contexts, they do not take precedence during an active emergency situation. The primary goal of the DCO is to maintain control over the situation, which requires an emphasis on coordination and leadership rather than individual tasks or reflective practices.