Which disaster response personnel would initiate a request for additional search and rescue teams?

The correct answer is the incident commander. This individual holds the ultimate responsibility for managing the overall response to a disaster scenario and is in charge of making critical decisions, which includes assessing the need for additional resources such as search and rescue teams. The incident commander evaluates the situation, identifies gaps in resources, and can initiate requests to ensure that all necessary support is mobilized to effectively manage the incident.

In a disaster response framework, the operations chief oversees the tactical operations and ensures that strategies are implemented on the ground, but it is the incident commander who has the authority to request additional support based on the evolving needs of the situation. The staging area commander focuses on organizing resources and personnel at a designated staging area and does not usually initiate requests for additional teams. The logistics officer handles the procurement and distribution of resources, but does not have the authority to request search and rescue teams directly unless directed by the incident commander.