In incident command, what is the typical "span of control" ratio?

In incident command, the concept of "span of control" refers to the number of subordinates that a supervisor can effectively manage. The typical span of control ratio is 1 supervisor to 7 subordinates. This ratio is widely accepted because it allows supervisors to maintain effective oversight, communication, and support for their personnel. When managing incidents, especially in dynamic and complex situations, having this ratio ensures that supervisors can adequately monitor their team’s performance, provide guidance, and ensure safety without being overwhelmed. If the span of control were lower, it could lead to underutilization of resources, while a much higher ratio could jeopardize oversight and lead to inefficiencies in incident management. This balance is critical for effective operations in emergency response scenarios.