What should you do when requesting additional assistance?

• A. Use protocol and chain of command, and document the details of the emergency and any actions taken to resolve it
• B. Ignore protocol
• C. Delay reporting
• D. Contact only external agencies

Answer: (A)

When requesting additional assistance, use the established protocol and chain of command and document everything. Following the proper channels ensures the right supervisors are alerted, the appropriate units are engaged, and resources are deployed efficiently and safely. It also keeps communication clear and authorized, preventing conflicting actions or delays.

Documentation is essential: note what triggered the request, exact time and location, the nature of the emergency, actions already taken, current status, and what resources are needed or have arrived. This creates a reliable record for accountability, coordination with responders, and after-action review.

Choosing to bypass protocol, delay reporting, or reach out only to external agencies disrupts coordination, risks duplicating efforts, and can leave responders without the full picture.