What is the optimal span of control for incident management?

The optimal span of control for incident management is typically considered to be one supervisor for every five subordinates. This ratio allows for effective communication and management during incidents, ensuring each team member is adequately supervised, and can quickly receive the guidance and support they need. Maintaining a span of control of one to five helps to minimize confusion and enhance operational efficiency by enabling supervisors to maintain awareness of their team's status and activities.

In high-stress scenarios, such as firefighting or emergency response, having too many individuals under one supervisor can lead to challenges in decision-making, coordination, and oversight. The one-to-five ratio strikes a balance that fosters clear communication, allows timely decision-making, and enables individual team members to feel supported and directed without overwhelming the supervisor. This structured approach is critical for maintaining safety and effectiveness during incidents.