What is the optimal number of individuals that one supervisor should manage during an emergency response according to span of control?

In emergency response situations, the concept of "span of control" refers to the number of subordinates that a supervisor can effectively manage. The optimal number for this span of control is typically considered to be around five individuals. This number allows the supervisor to maintain effective oversight and communication, ensuring that tasks are completed efficiently while still providing the necessary support and guidance to each team member.

Managing a group of five enables supervisors to stay actively engaged with their team, allowing for quick decision-making and easier monitoring of performance and morale. It strikes a balance between having enough personnel to cover necessary tasks and keeping the group small enough for the supervisor to maintain a high level of management effectiveness. In emergency scenarios, where conditions can change rapidly and information needs to be relayed quickly, having a manageable number of subordinates becomes crucial for successful operations.

The other listed options, while reflecting potential numbers, exceed the optimal range and may lead to challenges in effective management and oversight, particularly during the high-stakes and often chaotic environment of an emergency response.