What should be prioritized if a responder is reported missing during an emergency?

Initiating a Personnel Accountability Report (PAR) is vital when a responder is reported missing during an emergency. The primary goal of a PAR is to ensure the safety of all personnel involved in the operation. This process allows command staff to account for and verify the location of each team member, which helps to quickly ascertain whether the missing responder is indeed unaccounted for, or if they may have safely exited the hazardous area without notice.

Conducting a thorough investigation may seem important, but it is essential first to confirm the status of the responders. Only after determining who is accounted for can any further investigative or corrective action be appropriately employed. Terminating all active responses would be counterproductive and could put others at risk. While calling for additional personnel may be necessary in some scenarios, the immediate priority is to establish accountability and ensure that the response efforts remain coordinated and effective.