Incident Command System (ICS)

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

Common Terminology

Must be established for:Organizational FunctionsResource ElementsFacilities

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

5 Functions of the ICS

Command Planning Operations Logistics Finance/Administration

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