Which of the following best describes the role of the Incident Commander according to SOP202?

The role of the Incident Commander is crucial in an emergency response scenario, as they are responsible for making all critical decisions during an incident. This includes assessing the situation, determining the appropriate response strategy, deploying resources, and ensuring the safety of both responders and civilians. The Incident Commander is the primary authority on the scene and must rapidly evaluate information and provide direction to various units and personnel involved in the operation.

This position is characterized by the need to prioritize actions based on immediate risks and the unfolding dynamics of the incident. While other responsibilities may include overseeing documentation, managing media relations, or ensuring equipment readiness, these tasks do not overshadow the pivotal duty of decision-making in the face of emergencies. Therefore, understanding the central role of decision-making clarifies why this option accurately represents the essence of what the Incident Commander is tasked with according to SOP202.