What is the first step in Lloyd's Layman's Five-step size up process?

The first step in Lloyd's Layman's Five-step size up process is gathering facts. This initial phase is crucial because it provides the foundation upon which all subsequent decisions and actions are based. By collecting accurate and relevant information about the incident, the responder can understand the situation more clearly and make informed decisions.

This step involves observing and documenting the scene, including the type of incident, the extent of the fire or emergency, weather conditions, potential hazards, and building characteristics. Gathering facts ensures that the officer has a comprehensive understanding of the circumstances before moving on to the assessment of risks, identifying available resources, or evaluating possible strategies for intervention. Without this clear picture created in the gathering facts phase, the officer might navigate the incident blindly, potentially leading to unsafe or ineffective measures.