Which of the following is NOT a recommended action during a critical incident?

• A. Ignore outside agency notifications
• B. Observe surroundings and take notes
• C. Respond within the scope of your training
• D. Use reasonable judgment

Answer: (A)

In a critical incident, coordinating with outside responders is essential to keep everyone safe and to mount an effective, unified response. Ignoring outside agency notifications undermines the incident command structure, can delay crucial support, and may lead to miscommunication or unsafe actions if others aren’t aware of what’s happening. The best practice is to keep people informed and to engage external agencies promptly so they can bring needed resources, expertise, and coordination.

Observing surroundings and taking notes builds situational awareness, helping you understand the evolving dynamics and informing decisions. Responding within the scope of your training ensures actions are appropriate, safe, and aligned with policy. Using reasonable judgment allows you to adapt to changing conditions while maintaining safety and accountability.