Structural Collapse Tactical Decision Game
his structural collapse tactical decision game (TDG) is designed for IC #1 / company officers arriving first at a building under construction. The incident involves a roof-truss collapse at a large addition next to a church. Callers report multiple trapped workers. However, the first-arriving engine cannot see the full collapse area from the street.
The primary challenge is deciding how to act quickly without rushing into an unstable hazard area. IC #1 must size up the incident, manage urgency, control access, request resources, and begin actions within crew capability.
The first-arriving officer’s decisions matter. Early actions can stabilize the rescue effort. However, poor access control can create more victims.
Decision Focus
This TDG asks the company officer to practice the first operational decisions at a structural collapse. The problem includes incomplete information, trapped workers, civilian rescuers, and access to Side Charlie.
IC #1 must decide what to report first. Next, the officer must assign the crew, control workers in the hazard area, and direct incoming companies. In addition, the officer must recognize when technical rescue resources are needed.
Incident Context Images
This 10-Minute Training uses a photorealistic conditions-on-arrival image and an incident photograph. Together, these images support IC #1 decision-making.
Study the images before answering the TDG questions. Then use the visual conditions to assess access, collapse location, victim survivability, worker actions, and rescue support needs..
Important Lessons
This structural collapse TDG reinforces the need to balance urgency with disciplined risk assessment. Multiple trapped workers create pressure to act. However, collapse incidents often require specialized rescue resources.
Important lessons include identifying the hazard area, controlling access, and using civilian information without losing command presence. In addition, IC #1 must assign early-arriving companies to support rescue priorities. The Additional Learning segment extends the drill through reading and crew discussion on building collapse basics, surface rescue operations, and structural collapse safety.
Blue Card certified ICs are encourage to complete the Incident Command for Technical Rescue continuing education (CE) module.
What Does Good Look Like
Effective IC #1 performance starts with a clear radio report and a cautious but active size-up. The officer recognizes the collapse problem, confirms trapped workers, and assigns the crew to achievable tasks.
Good performance also includes early resource thinking. IC #1 communicates conditions, actions, and needs before command transfer. As a result, the incident is better prepared for technical rescue operations.
Learn more about how to use 10-Minute Training and find additional tactical decision games in the 10-Minute Training Library.
