Which statement best describes Level 1 staging?

• A. Used on all single-company responses; all units stage at the scene.
• B. Used on traffic incidents; units retreat to the station.
• C. Level 1 staging requires all units stage at the incident location.
• D. Used on all multiple-company emergency responses; the first arriving vehicles proceed directly to the scene, and others stand by a block or two from the scene and await orders; units usually stage at the last intersection on their route of travel before reaching the reported incident location.

Answer: (D)

Level 1 staging is used for multi-unit emergencies to balance rapid access to the scene with orderly resource management. The first arriving units go directly to the scene to begin operations, while additional units stop short and stage at a location close to the scene—typically the last intersection on their route or a block or two away—until they’re directed to move in. This setup keeps the area open for arriving apparatus, reduces scene congestion, and lets the incident commander assign tasks as the situation evolves. It’s specifically for all multi‑unit responses, not for single‑unit calls, and it isn’t about retreating to the station or having everyone stage at the incident location.