Who has the authority to authorize helicopter transport at an emergency scene?

The correct answer is the incident commander. This individual holds the authority to make operational decisions and is responsible for the overall management of the emergency scene, which includes authorizing helicopter transport. The incident commander assesses the situation, considers the needs of the victims, and coordinates resources effectively to ensure that both patient care and safety are prioritized.

While county communications play a vital role in coordinating information, they do not have the authority to make decisions regarding transport methods. The EMS chief typically oversees broader operational matters and may not be present at each incident scene, whereas a medical director usually provides guidance on medical protocols but also does not directly authorize transport in the field.