What type of contact must a company officer maintain to verify the status of company members?

The selection of visual or physical contact as the correct type of contact a company officer must maintain to verify the status of company members is based on the critical need for situational awareness in emergency response scenarios.

Visual contact allows an officer to observe the physical presence, condition, and activities of team members directly. This observation can include assessing their readiness, safety gear, and immediate responses during operations. Physical contact can come into play during situations requiring close interaction, such as handshakes, pats, or direct communication in high-stress environments, ensuring that members are accounted for and functioning as expected.

Utilizing both visual and physical contact strengthens communication and fosters accountability, especially in complex environments where verbal communication may be challenging due to noise or stress. It is vital for ensuring that all personnel are safe and effectively functioning within their roles during an incident.

While other types of contact, such as aural or radio, may serve important communication functions, they do not provide the same level of direct verification regarding the status of team members as visual and physical contact does.