In a May Day situation, what is the second obligation of firefighters?

In a May Day situation, maintaining company or group integrity is crucial because it ensures that all members remain aware of each other’s locations and statuses. This camaraderie and communication play a foundational role in the safety and effectiveness of a firefighting team. When firefighters stay together as a cohesive unit, it significantly increases their chances of survival and successful rescue.

This obligation emphasizes the importance of teamwork in high-stress scenarios where individual actions can lead to greater risks. By remaining as a unit, they can monitor each other's safety, provide assistance if one becomes trapped or lost, and efficiently execute rescue operations. The focus on group integrity also aids in maintaining control over the situation, enhancing the overall effectiveness of emergency responses.

The first obligation in such situations typically involves self-rescue, while notifying the incident commander or requesting additional resources are actions that come later, once the integrity of the group is secured. This escalating prioritization reflects the need to stabilize the immediate circumstances before escalating the incident response.