Einsatzleitung

Einsatzleitung, in German-speaking emergency services, refers to the on-site command and control structure responsible for directing all operational activities at an incident. It is the leadership cadre on the scene that coordinates resources, safety, and communications to achieve incident objectives.

Core tasks include establishing the incident objectives and priorities, performing size-up and risk assessment, assigning tasks to arriving units, and directing actions such as firefighting, technical rescue, patient care, or hazard containment. The Einsatzleitung also maintains the scene safety plan, ensures effective radio and data communications, and coordinates with other agencies.

Organization: The on-site command is usually headed by an Einsatzleiter. Depending on the scale and complexity, a small incident may be led by a single person, whereas larger events use a structured command with staff such as operations, medical, logistics, and information/communication roles, sometimes organized into sectors or branches.

Relation to the control center: The Einsatzleitstelle (command and control centre) outside the scene provides initial alerts, additional resources, situation information, and broader coordination with authorities. The on-site Einsatzleitung integrates these inputs and makes tactical decisions, reporting back as needed.

Terminology and tools: The operation often uses local German terms such as Lagebild (situation picture), Lagekarte (situation map), and schriftliche Lageberichte. The concept is commonly aligned with the incident command system or national equivalents in fire and disaster response.

Context: Einsatzleitung is used across fire services, police, and technical relief organizations in German-speaking countries, reflecting a professional approach to unified command at emergencies, disasters, and large-scale events.