What is the purpose of the 'Control' action in the context of IEDs?

The purpose of the 'Control' action in the context of IEDs (Improvised Explosive Devices) is primarily focused on maintaining security within a designated area, often referred to as the cordon. This action is essential in ensuring that only authorized personnel are allowed access to the area affected by or potentially affected by the threat.

Maintaining security helps to prevent unauthorized individuals from entering the danger zone, which could potentially lead to additional casualties or complications in managing the IED threat. By controlling access and ensuring that the area is secure, response teams can operate more effectively and safely as they assess the situation, identify the IED, and carry out necessary protocols to render it safe.

While other options such as directing personnel to safety and confirming the threat level are important tasks, they do not encapsulate the primary focus of the control action, which is about securing the perimeter and ensuring that the area remains safe for operational activities. Similarly, checking for secondary devices is a critical action, but it typically falls under the assessment and neutralization phases rather than the control aspect.