When transitioning from an offensive to a defensive attack, what should be requested?

When transitioning from an offensive to a defensive attack, it is crucial to ensure the safety of all personnel who were engaged in the firefighting efforts. A Personnel Accountability Report (PAR) is necessary in this situation to confirm that everyone is accounted for and to assess the status and location of each team member. This report allows the incident commander to have a clear understanding of who is still operating in potentially hazardous environments and who has been successfully evacuated.

Utilizing a PAR during this transition helps to manage the risk associated with a defensive operation, as it confirms that all firefighters are safe and helps to prevent accidents or injuries due to an unaccounted individual still being at risk in the structure. In this context, a quick PAR may not suffice, since it’s essential to have a comprehensive understanding of the situation before proceeding with a defensive approach. Thus, requesting a PAR is the appropriate response during this critical transition phase.