Which procedure should be followed if a responder becomes injured or contaminated?

Notifying the Incident Commander is the correct procedure if a responder becomes injured or contaminated. The Incident Commander (IC) has the responsibility to manage the scene and ensure the safety of all personnel involved in the operation. By informing the IC, they can assess the situation, allocate resources for medical assistance, and ensure that the incident is managed effectively while minimizing risks to other responders.

Alerting the IC also allows for appropriate decontamination protocols to be initiated if contamination has occurred and ensures that the injured responder receives the necessary support without compromising the safety of the remaining team members. This communication is critical in maintaining situational awareness and ensuring that the operation can proceed safely after addressing the responder's needs.

Remaining at the scene or attempting to continue working could exacerbate the responder's injury or put others at risk, while leaving the scene without notification could jeopardize the overall response effort and safety protocols. Therefore, proper communication through notifying the Incident Commander is essential to ensure the safety and effectiveness of the rescue operations and overall incident management.