Incident Command System Flashcards
Incident Command System (ICS)
Is a management process enabling a fire department to affectively and efficiently control resources at incidents.
Used By all levels of government federal,state, local and tribal as well as many private sector and non-governmental organization’s
ICS five major functional areas
Command Operations Planning Logistics Finance and administration
Overall system command and management?
Incident Command
Operations
Management and supervision of tactics
Planning
Operational planning, including management of incident information
Logistics
Logistical support if incident operations
Finance
Tracking time and cost when needed
Command Staff
Safety
PIO
Liaison officers, in support of the IC (not part of the line organization)
The following are system operating requirements for ICS
- The systems organizational structure must be able to adapt to any incident that fire protection agencies respond to
- The system must be able to expand in a logical manner from an initial attack to a major incident.
- Implementation of the system should have the least possible disruption to emergency operations.
The command structure of a complex incident might include all of the following five levels
Incident Commander
Section Chief
Branch director
Geographic Division or functional group supervisor.
Single resource or strike team or task force
Position Titles
The use of distinct titles for ICS positions allows for filling ICS positions with the most qualified individuals rather than by seniority
MFR should use its ranking officers
Command position/title refers to those functions necessary for overall control and accomplishment of the strategic objective
The command level should be staffed by a ranking MFR department officer
Section Chief
Refers to those organizational elements in situations that are complex enough to require an immediate or control level in the organizational structure.
For example the operations section chief is a level that may be implemented in command finds it necessary to group divisions or groups together to lessen command span of control
Should not exceed 5 supervisors reporting to the operations section Chief. (Span of control)
Division or group supervisor position
Is responsible to supervise up to five single resources Such as rescue aerial or engine or strike teams or task forces
Divisions or groups are normally commanded by chief fire officer’s or Captain’s to concentrate on the more specific areas and tasks to meet the operational objectives.
Division/group supervisor reporting to an operation section chief or if the operation levels have not been established reporting directly to the incident commander
The single resource, strike team or task force leader
Is responsible to direct those actual resources in the field on tactical assignments this is normally filled by a MFR Captain Lieutenant company officer
The leader under the operation section would report to the assigned division or group supervisor in the absence of a supervisor he would report to the operations section chief
Unified Command
Is an application of ICS used when there is more than one agency with incident jurisdiction or when incidents cross political jurisdictions
Generally the incident commander will be selected from the authority having jurisdiction
Command Responsibilities
Initial tasks
Assume command
Transmit a brief initial radio status report
Make an initial size up of the situation
Set prioritized objectives
Establish a command post
Command procedures are designed to accomplish the following
- Fix the responsibility for command through a standard identification system
- Ensure that strong direct visible command will be established as early as possible on all incidents
- Outlines the activities and responsibilities of command
- Provide a system for the orderly transfer of commando
Inflammation of the incident command system
The use of the incident command system is mandatory on all building assignments and all incidents involving fired apartment units MCI hazardous materials ships etc.
The first fire department officer to arrive at the scene of a multi unit response shall assume command and remain in command until relieved by a high-ranking officer or until the incident is terminated
Continuing Tasks of Command responsibilities.
Beyond scope of initial tasks
Delegate responsibilities through the lCS system
Continue to evaluate attack efforts and take appropriate actions including the sounding of multiple alarms and calls for special service companies
If relieved by a superior officer give a concise briefing on the situations and actions taken
Remain with him until reassigned
For MCI referred to the MCI command fog
The first arriving MFR officer must decide on an appropriate commitment for his company
Nothing showing mode
Fast attack mode
Command mode
Nothing showing mode
These situations require investigation by the first arriving company. the company officer normally will accompany his crew to investigate while retaining his command responsibilities
Fast attack mode
Situations which require immediate action to stabilize the situation such as interior fires which require that the officer quickly decide how to commit his company.
He can participate using his portable radio without neglecting command responsibilities
Fast attack mode end with one of the followings?
Situation is stabilized
Higher ranking officer arrives and command is transferred
Situation is not stabilized And the officer must relocate to a traditional command location usually outside the fire building
Command mode
Situations that require principally command functions
The officer will assume a traditional command location and maintain that location until relieved by high-ranking officer
Command post
This could be basic as the cab of the incident commander’s vehicle or more elaborate depending on the evaluation of the incident
Command Post
The purpose of a command post is to coordinate operations simplify communications procedures, provide logistical support and assist the incident commander. The commander should reside at the command post
