Competence in command: recent R&D in the London Fire Brigade

Provides snapshots of several research and development actions aimed at addressing the question of what characterizes competent command of a fire ground incident. Looks at two aspects of this question: how to describe fire ground command (what is it that fire ground commanders do?) and what qualities should be looked for in prospective fire ground commanders (what are the underlying aptitudes or competences required for effective fire ground command?). Brings together data drawn from cognitive task analysis, teamwork analysis, a recent model of incident command developed for the London Fire Brigade (LFB), job analysis focusing on aptitude requirements for fire ground commanders, and assessment centres designed for selecting fire crew commanders and senior LFB officers.