What request is made by the Incident Commander to Dispatch upon receiving a May-Day?

When the Incident Commander receives a May-Day, the most appropriate request to make to Dispatch is for a "Next Higher Alarm." This request signifies that there is a critical situation requiring immediate escalation of resources and personnel to effectively handle the emergency. A May-Day typically indicates that a firefighter is in distress or may be trapped, necessitating rapid and additional support to locate and rescue those in danger.

Requesting a next higher alarm mobilizes more units and provides a greater breadth of support, which is crucial for effective search and rescue operations. It also enhances safety for all personnel involved by ensuring that sufficient resources are available.

In comparison, requests for an emergency evacuation, additional resources, or changing operational tactics can be relevant in different contexts. However, they may not capture the immediate need for escalation that comes with a May-Day situation. Emergency evacuation might be warranted in other circumstances but does not pertain directly to responding to a distress signal. Additional resources, while important, often come as part of requesting a higher alarm that inherently includes this need. Changing operational tactics is a strategic approach that comes in response to evolving situations but does not address the immediate urgency of a May-Day call.

Thus, the request for a next higher alarm is critical in ensuring a rapid and effective