What is the term used for the rescue team leader's on-scene analysis of the incident parameters?

The term "size up" refers specifically to the rescue team leader's process of assessing the situation on the scene to determine the appropriate response to the incident. This involves gathering critical information about the environment, potential hazards, the status of the victim(s), and available resources.

Conducting a thorough size up enables the rescue leader to make informed decisions regarding the safety of the rescuers, the approach to take for the rescue operation, and the types of equipment that may be necessary. It is a fundamental step in ensuring that all aspects of the situation are understood before action is taken. The size up is crucial in confined space rescues where conditions can change rapidly and a detailed situational awareness is vital for the safety of both the team and the victim.

Other terms such as "assessment" and "evaluation" may describe parts of the process but do not capture the dynamic and immediate nature of the size up in a rescue context. A "briefing" typically refers to a session where information is shared among team members before or during operations, but it does not entail the same on-the-ground analysis that the size up requires.