What is the primary function of the cold support zone?

The primary function of the cold support zone is to serve as an area for incident command. This zone is designated as a safe, stable area where command personnel can manage the overall operations of a rescue scene without direct exposure to hazards. It allows for a centralized location where communication, coordination, and decision-making can occur effectively, ensuring that operations in the hot zone (where active extrication or other rescue activities take place) and warm zone (the transitional area between the hot and cold zones) are managed properly.

While other areas, such as those for extrication, patient care, or logistical support, are essential to the overall operation, they are secondary to the incident command functions carried out in the cold support zone. This separation helps to maintain safety and efficiency during rescue operations, allowing designated teams to focus on their specific roles without the interference of operational command duties.