In relation to an ASE exposure program, the ISO's role primarily involves:

In the context of an Acute Stress Exposure (ASE) program, the primary role of the Incident Safety Officer (ISO) is to initiate stress exposure protocols. This responsibility is crucial because the ISO is tasked with recognizing and addressing the immediate mental health needs of personnel who may have experienced traumatic incidents during their response efforts.

Initiating stress exposure protocols means that the ISO will take proactive steps to ensure that those affected by traumatic stress are provided with appropriate support and resources. This can include activating critical incident stress management teams, coordinating with mental health professionals, and ensuring that there are mechanisms in place for firefighters to seek help. By doing so, the ISO helps to facilitate a supportive environment, enabling individuals to process their experiences and mitigate potential long-term psychological impacts.

The focus on initiating such protocols underscores the importance of mental health as an integral component of overall firefighter safety and well-being, which is a primary concern for Incident Safety Officers.