When a higher chain of command arrives on scene, what action should the responding officer take?

• A. Maintain command and continue with decisions
• B. Secure the scene and wait for instructions
• C. Defer all decisions to dispatch
• D. Transfer command to them

Answer: (D)

When a higher-ranking supervisor arrives on scene, leadership should shift to them to ensure unified direction and accountability. The on-scene officer should formally transfer command to the arriving supervisor, providing a concise briefing on the situation, actions taken, resources, and any hazards, then step back so they can assume overall responsibility and coordinate the response. This preserves clear authority, prevents conflicting directions, and keeps operations efficient.

Reasoning about the other options: continuing to command leaves the new supervisor without authority and can cause confusion; waiting for instructions from the dispatcher delays critical decisions; deferring all decisions to dispatch removes on-site situational awareness and flexibility.