How many members of the first due engine are responsible for reconnaissance during a rescue operation?

In a rescue operation, reconnaissance is a critical function that involves assessing the scene to gather information necessary for effective decision-making and action planning. The standard practice in fire and rescue operations typically designates two members of the first due engine to perform this task. This allows for a division of responsibility and safety, as one member can focus on gathering information while the other remains in communication with the incident commander or the rest of the crew. Additionally, having two members ensures that there is support for each other in potentially hazardous conditions, improving the overall situational awareness and safety of the operation. While one might think that more personnel could enhance the reconnaissance, the two-member approach is a balanced strategy that optimizes safety and effectiveness without compromising the response capabilities of the remaining team members.