The incident commander holds a key role in every emergency response. This is where tactics are shaped, resources are prioritised, and decisions are made under pressure. In this role, experience and leadership are essential – but so is an up-to-date understanding of the tools, methods and tactics available within the organisation. To make full use of the capabilities that the cutting extinguisher technique offers, commanders need training that is tailored to their role and responsibilities.
Informed decision-making
In rapidly changing situations, it is natural to fall back on past experience. This can create a sense of familiarity and stability – but it may also lead to important options being overlooked, especially if commanders are unfamiliar with the available tactical alternatives.
A well-trained incident commander not only understands the tool’s function, but also when and where it is most effective and what kind of outcomes can be expected. This enables well-informed decision-making, where a range of options are considered at pace even under time pressure.
Knowledge makes a difference only when it is used
An organisation may have highly trained Cobra operators, experienced instructors, and well-established procedures – but all this competence has little value if it is not put into practice. It is only when the entire organisation – from leadership to frontline personnel – shares an understanding of the method or tactic’s potential that resources can truly be used to their full advantage.
This means that decision-making, planning and prioritisation must actively support the use of the method in real operations. If decision-makers, including incident commanders, lack the knowledge or confidence needed to see the tactical value of the tool, the risk is that it will not be used, even when it could contribute to a safer and more effective outcome.
Training at the command level is therefore not an optional extra, it is a prerequisite for making the most of the capabilities that already exist within the organisation.
An integrated part of leadership
Regardless of how long the method has been part of the organisation, it is essential that commanders have current, relevant knowledge of how it works and what it contributes. The goal is not to turn them into technical experts, but to help them understand how the tool supports overall operational goals.
With the right training, commanders are better equipped to make decisions that promote safety, efficiency and coordination – and to lead in a way that leverages the full potential of the organisation.
Training at this level is not just about individual competence. It is an investment in a command structure that continuously works towards being safer, cleaner, and more efficient.
