Incident Command System

The Incident Command System: A Blueprint for Crisis Management

Imagine a chaotic scene unfolding before you—wildfires raging, an active shooting incident, or even a simple community event gone awry. How do you ensure that everyone is on the same page, working towards a common goal? Enter the Incident Command System (ICS)—a standardized approach to command, control, and coordination of emergency response.

Origins and Evolution

The concept of ICS was born in 1968 at a meeting of Fire Chiefs in Southern California. It was fully developed during massive wildfire suppression efforts in the 1970s to address weaknesses such as lack of accountability, poor communication, and an unorganized planning process. This system has since evolved into a robust framework used not only for wildfires but also for all-hazards situations, including active shootings, hazmat scenes, and even planned events like concerts or parades.

ICS in the National Incident Management System (NIMS)

ICS is now an integral part of the National Incident Management System (NIMS) in the United States. It has become a model for similar approaches internationally, adopted by federal, provincial, and territorial governments in Canada, as well as agencies in Australia, New Zealand, Brazil, Mexico, and more.

Key Components of ICS

The Incident Command System is designed to be interdisciplinary and organizationally flexible. It includes procedures for selecting and forming temporary management hierarchies, assigning personnel according to established standards, and providing logistical and administrative support to operational staff. The system emphasizes unity of command, common terminology, management by objectives, and a flexible, modular structure.

Unity of Command

The Unity of Command concept ensures that each individual reports to only one supervisor, increasing accountability and improving operational safety. This principle is crucial in maintaining order during high-stress situations where clear lines of authority are essential.

Common Terminology

A shared language is vital for team cohesion and effective communication. ICS includes a glossary of terms to ensure consistency across all responders, making it easier to understand each other’s roles and responsibilities.

Management by Objectives

This approach involves setting specific, attainable objectives, ranking them by priority, outlining strategies, and determining tactics. By focusing on clear goals, ICS helps teams stay organized and efficient during incidents of any size.

The Incident Command Structure

ICS is structured in a hierarchical manner, with each level having unique titles and responsibilities:

• Incident Commander (IC): The overall leader responsible for the entire incident response.
• Command Staff Members: Officers who support the Incident Commander, including Safety Officer, Public Information Officer, Liaison Officer, Operations Section Chief, Planning Section Chief, Finance/Administration Section Chief, and Logistics Section Chief.
• Section Chiefs (Chief): Managers responsible for specific areas of incident response.
• Branch Directors: Supervisors who oversee smaller units within a section.
• Division Supervisors: Leaders who manage geographic or functional divisions.
• Group Supervisors: Leaders who organize resources based on agency lines or the makeup of available resources.
• Units, Teams, and Forces: Smaller units composed of specific resources, such as a medical strike team or a communications unit.
• Individual Resources: The smallest level within ICS, typically referring to a single person or piece of equipment.

Facilities and Support Structures

ICS facilities include the Incident Command Post (ICP), Staging Area, Base, Camps, Helibase, and Helispots. Each facility has unique requirements that can be challenging to address, so responders should pre-designate and plan layouts whenever possible.

Support Facilities

On large incidents, higher-level support facilities may be activated, including:

• Emergency Operations Center (EOC): A central command and control facility responsible for strategic decision-making.
• Joint Information Center (JIC): A facility where agencies provide media support and interface with press representatives.
• Joint Operations Center (JOC): A dedicated facility for agencies to exchange information and develop tactical plans.
• Multiple Agency Coordination Center (MACC): A central command and control facility responsible for coordinating multiple incidents or complex situations. While often similar to an EOC, a MACC is a separate entity with defined area or mission and lifespan.

ICS Equipment and Resource Management

The system uses a standard set of facility nomenclature, including Tankers (aircraft carrying fuel or water) and Tenders (ground vehicles carrying fuel, water, or fire-fighting foam). Computers are used to interface responders and access information for decision-making. Comprehensive resource management is a key principle that implies tracking and accounting for all assets and personnel during an event.

Command Transfer

Command transfer occurs due to incident growth, reduction in size, jurisdictional change, or personnel turnover. The process includes a briefing, which may be oral, written, or a combination of both. This ensures that the new leader is fully informed and can take over seamlessly.

The Incident Command System is a powerful tool for managing crises, whether they are natural disasters or planned events. By providing a clear structure and common language, ICS ensures that everyone knows their role and can work together effectively. Whether you’re dealing with wildfires, active shootings, or community gatherings, the principles of ICS can help streamline your response efforts.