What action should incident personnel take with media inquiries at an incident scene?

In the context of incident management within the Oklahoma City Fire Department, the appropriate action for personnel when confronted with media inquiries at an incident scene is to forward those inquiries to the Public Relations Officer. This approach ensures that all information disseminated to the media is accurate, consistent, and in line with the department's established communication protocols.

The Public Relations Officer is typically trained and designated to handle media relations, meaning they have the skills and knowledge necessary to address inquiries effectively while maintaining the integrity of the situation. This is crucial as it helps prevent misinformation, can reduce the potential for public panic, and ensures that sensitive operational details are not inadvertently revealed by personnel who might not be fully briefed or authorized to speak to the media.

Handling media inquiries correctly is vital for maintaining the professionalism of the fire department and fostering trust with the community. By channeling media inquiries through the Public Relations Officer, the department not only protects its personnel but also upholds its reputation and ensures that the messaging is coherent and aligned with official statements.