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What is the ICS?
A systematic tool used for command, control and coordination of an emergency response
It allows agencies to work together using common terminology and operating procedures
Consists of procedures for controlling personnel, facilities, equipment and communications across multiple agencies at a single incident scene
History of the ICS
Developed as a result of wild fires in Southern California in 1970
Recognized a need for a system that would allow agencies to work together efficiently and effectively toward a common goal
The ICS was created to address*:– Nonstandard terminology among responding agencies. – Lack of capability to expand and contract as required by the situation. – Nonstandard and nonintegrated communications. – Lack of consolidated action plans. – Lack of designated facilities.
* “What is the Incident Command System” http://www.911dispatch.com/ics/ics_describe.html#concepts
When is the ICS Used?
Not just for fire related emergencies It can also be used for*:
– HAZMAT Incidents– Incidents with multiple casualties– Planned events– Single and multi-agency law enforcement incidents– Response to natural hazards– Air, rail, water or ground transportation incidents– Wide area search and rescue missions– Private sector emergency management program– Multi-jurisdictional or multi-agency incidents
* “What is the Incident Command System” http://www.911dispatch.com/ics/ics_describe.html#concepts
ICS Components
Common terminology Modular organization Integrated communications Unified command structure Consolidated action plan Manageable span-of-control Predesignated incident facilities Comprehensive resource management
Modular Organization
ICS organizational structure is based on the type and size of the incident
4 separate functional areas can be established if needed
Management takes a top down approach
Integrated Communications
Establishment of a common communications plan and incident based communications center
All communications must be in plain English Communications are for essential messages
only Organizational structure established for radio
networks
Unified Command Structure
Needed because incidents are usually multi-jurisdictional in nature and require the involvement of multiple agencies
All agencies involved contribute to the process by*:– Determining overall objectives– Planning jointly for operational activities while conducting
integrated operations– Maximizing the use of all assigned resources
A single, coordinated Incident Action Plan is developed to manage the incident
* “What is the Incident Command System” http://www.911dispatch.com/ics/ics_describe.html#concepts
Consolidated Action Plan
Written when several agencies and jurisdictions are involved
Objectives and strategies for the incident are determined by the Incident Commander
Should cover all activities required for the incident
Manageable Span-of-Control
Should range from 3 to 7, with 5 being the norm
Influenced by the type of incident, the nature of the task and several other factors
Predesignated Incident Facilities
Facilities are determined by the requirements of the incident
Several possible facilities exist:– Command Post– Incident Base– Staging Areas– Helibases– Helispots
Comprehensive Resource Management
Resources can be managed in three different ways:– Single Resources– Task Forces– Strike Teams
Resources are assigned a status condition– Assigned– Available– Out of Service
Incident Com m and System Organizational Chart
R e s o u rce s U n it
S itu a tio n U n it
D o c um e nta tio n U n it
D e m o b iliza tion U n it
T e ch n ica l S p ec ia lis ts
P la nn in g S ec tion
S trike T e a m s
T a sk F o rc es
S in g le R e s ou rc es
D iv is io n o r G ro u ps
B ra n ch D ire c to r G rou n d O p e ra tio ns
H e lib as e M an a g er
H e lis po t M an a g er
A ir S u p po rt G ro up
H e lic op te r C o o rd in a to r
A ir T a n ke r C o ord in a to r
A ir A tta ck G ro up
B ra n ch D irec to r A ir O p era tio ns
O p e ra tio ns S ec tion
C o m m un ic a tion s U n it
M e d ica l U n it
F o o d U n it
B ra n ch D ire c to r S e rv ice
S u p p ly U n it
F a c ilit ie s U n it
G ro un d S u pp o rt U n it
B ra n ch D irec to r S u p p o rt
L o g ist ic s S e c tion
T im e U n it
P ro cu re m e nt U n it
C o m p en sa tion /C la im s U n it
C o s t U n it
F in an ce S ec ton
In c ide n t C o m m an d er
Command
Responsible for overall management of the incident Can be conducted as Single Command or Unified
Command As incidents grow, the Incident Commander may
delegate authority for certain activities– Information Officer– Safety Officer– Liaison Officer
Planning
Overseen by the Planning Section Chief The Planning function is established by the
Incident Commander during larger scale incidents
Includes the collection, evaluation, dissemination and use of tactical information about the incident
Responsible for the preparation and documentation of incident action plans
Operations
Overseen by the Operations Section Chief
Responsible for performing the response activities stated in the Incident Action Plan
May be further organized into geographical divisions and functional groups
Logistics
Overseen by the Logistics Section Chief Responsible for providing all support needs to
the incident except air operations Divided into a Service Branch and a Support
Branch Functions are geared toward support of the
incident responders
Finance
Overseen by Finance Section Chief Established on incidents when one or more of the
agencies involved have a specific need for finance services
Tracks incident costs and accounts for reimbursements Can be expanded into other units if the need requires
– Time Unit– Procurement Unit– Compensation/Claims Unit– Cost Unit
Conclusion
All emergency responders are encouraged to learn more about the ICS
The ICS is an extremely comprehensive plan that requires training and study to completely understand the plan
Many ICS references are available
For Further Information…
“Incident Command System”, Fire Protection Publications, Oklahoma State University (out of
print, but can be found used on www.bibliofind.com) International Fire Service Training Information -
http://www.ifsta.org/store/default_intro.asp
“What is the Incident Command System?” http://www.011.dispatch.com/ics/ics_describe.html
ICS Self Study Coursehttp://training.fema.gov/EMIWeb/is195/pdf/IS195comp.pdf