What is the primary purpose of establishing an Area Command?

The primary purpose of establishing an Area Command is to oversee the management and support of multiple incidents occurring in a specific geographical area or jurisdiction. This level of command is crucial when incidents are occurring simultaneously, requiring coordinated efforts and resource allocation to ensure that each incident is effectively managed.

Area Command provides a structure for event management that allows for unified coordination among different incident commanders and ensures that resources are distributed appropriately. This helps in preventing resource depletion at one incident while another incident may have unmet needs, thereby enhancing overall operational efficiency.

In contrast, while Mass Casualty Incidents involve significant numbers of patients and thus require special management considerations, they are typically handled within the framework of an Incident Command System (ICS) rather than necessitating a higher-level command structure like Area Command. Local control incidents, though important, do not encompass the broader purpose of managing multiple incidents simultaneously, which is the essence of an Area Command's function. Lastly, training for new personnel, while critical for long-term operational success, does not fall under the immediate operational oversight responsibilities that Area Command entails.