What is the Deputy's role during coordination with external agencies in an emergency?

• A. Act as liaison, provide site information, support rescue and medical teams, and ensure communications are maintained.
• B. Take command and direct external agencies to stop all operations.
• C. Leave coordination to external agencies only.
• D. Warn workers to evacuate and wait for external agencies.

Answer: (A)

During coordination with external agencies in an emergency, the Deputy serves as the on-site liaison, ensuring external responders receive accurate, timely site information and that rescue and medical teams have the support they need. They gather and relay key details about hazards, location of personnel, access routes, and the status of the incident, passing updates between external responders and the site team. They help secure access, facilitate casualty support, and keep communications open so messages and safety instructions flow without delay. This active, information-rich coordination helps external agencies work effectively with the site team under the Incident Controller’s direction. The Deputy does not take command of external agencies, nor simply wait or rely on others for coordination—the role is to bridge, inform, and assist to maintain smooth, integrated response.