What must command do immediately when a mayday is called?

When a mayday is called, obtaining a Personnel Accountability Report (PAR) is the immediate priority for command. The PAR is crucial for confirming the safety and location of all personnel operating at the incident scene. It allows command to account for every firefighter on the scene, which is vital in identifying any missing or in distress individuals. This step is essential in ensuring that all team members are safe and accounted for, which directly affects the subsequent actions and decisions made during the emergency response.

In this context, while creating a report, conducting a headcount, or requesting an evacuation may also be necessary, they are not the immediate actions that take precedence when a mayday is declared. The urgency of the mayday indicates that a member of the team may be in imminent danger, making the rapid establishment of accountability through a PAR essential for effective rescue operations and overall incident management.