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
Command Post
Usually the command post shall be set up in front of the incident in a highly visible location a rotating green light will signify this location
Once the CP is determined info will be given to FCIO. FCIO will broadcast tactical channel and CP has been set up.
A minimum area of traffic control will be established in all directions from the disaster limits for approx 2 blocks
Fire/police cordon
The Front ( designated by the location of the Command post)
Side A B C D
Clockwise manner
Multi story floors ( 6th floor)
Below grade ( sub floor #1 indicates 1st floor below grade)
Transfer of command
- First MFR officer to arrive will soon come in until relieved by a high-ranking MFR officer
- The first arriving MFR district chief will assume command after transfer of command procedures has been completed
- Assumption of command by a higher ranking MFR chief fire officer is discretionary. Notification of change of command shall be given over appropriate radio frequencies
The officer being relived will brief the officer assuming command
- General situation status and prioritize objectives
- Incident location conditions and extension
- Effectiveness of control and stabilization efforts
- Deployment and assignments of operating companies
- Appraisal of needs for additional resources.
Command Staff Officers
Command staff officers report to the incident commander and is responsible for key activities which are not part of the line organization and do not count against the incident commanders span of control
PIO
Liaison officer - agency representative reports to liaison officer
Safety officer
PIO
Reports to the incident commander formulate and releases information about incident to news media and other agencies once approved by the incident commander
Is responsible for providing press identification for the incident scene prepares an initial news release as soon as possible
Liaison officer
Reports to the incident commander. he is responsible for interacting with incident personnel from outside agencies that are accomplishing various functions at the incident scene; provides identification of liaison personnel for the incident; and monitors the incident for current or potential inter-agency problems
Agency Representative
Is an individual assigned to an incident from an assisting or cooperating agency that has been delegated authority to make decisions on matters affecting that agency’s participation at the incident. Reports to the incident liaison officer
Safety officer
Reports to the incident commander. Monitors the incident scene to identify actual or potential unsafe operations investigates related injuries and accidents that involve personnel operating at the incident advises incident personnel in regard to unsafe conditions or operations and makes recommendations for procedural changes to correct unsafe procedures or operational subsequent to the incident
Authority and responsibility to immediately stop any unsafe act
Operations (suppression & EMS)
Operations is responsible for the management direction and execution of all tactical operations related to the incident
Tactical divisions are organized by geographical assignments in groups are organized by functional assignments
Operation Section Chief
Is responsible for all tactical operations at the incident including branches divisions and or groups task forces strike teams single resources and staging areas
Staging
The staging manager shall establish and identify a location in or near the incident area.
Maintain inventory of all resources available in the staging area
The location should be away from the danger zone large in size and easily identifiable readily accessible for large equipment and large number of personnel, Arranged so that resources can be easily disbursed tightly controlled in capable of being relocated
Reports to the incident commander in the event there is no operations section chief establish
Branch
The organizational level having functional or geographic responsibility for major parts of the operations or logistic functions.
The branch level is organizationally between section and the division/ group in the operation section and between section and units in the logistics section
Branches are identified by the use of Roman numerals or by functional name example medical, security etc.
Air Operations Branch
The organizational level responsible for preparing and implementing the air operations portion of the incident action plan
Responsible for providing logistical support to helicopters operating on the incident
Divisions
Divisions are used to divide an incident into geographical areas of operation
A division is located within the ICS organization between the branch and the task force/strike team
Divisions are identified by alphabetic characters for horizontal applications and, often by floor numbers when used in buildings
Groups
Groups are established to divide the incident into functional areas of operation
Groups are composed of resources assemble to perform a special function not necessarily within a single geographic division
Groups are located between branches (when activated) and resources in the operation section
Strike Team
Is a specified combination of the same kind and type of resource with common communications and a leader
Task Force
Is a combination of single resource assembled for a particular tactical need with common communications and a leader
Single Resource
An individual a piece of equipment and it’s personal or a crew or team of individuals with an identified work supervisor that can be used on an incidentp
Medical Operations
Is responsible for the management coordination and direction of all operations related to the treatment and medical care of victims of an emergency incident
Planning Section
The planning section chief is responsible for collecting and analyzing and reporting information relating to the incident
Planning Section Chief
Is responsible for the collection, evaluation and dissemination of information related to the incident and for the preparation and documentation of the incident action plan
The section also maintains information on the current and forecasted situation and on the status of resources assigned to the incident commander (includes the situation, resources, documentation and demobilization Units as well as technical specialist
Resources Unit (Leader)
Functional unit within the planning section responsible for recording the status resources committed to the incident. The unit also evaluates resources currently committed to the incident the impact that additional responding resources will have on the incident anticipated resource needs
Reports to the planning section chief
Situation Unit (leader)
Functional unit within the planning section responsible for the collection organization and analysis of incident status information and for analysis of the situation as it progresses. Also develops projections and forecasts of future events related to the incident he reports to the planning section chief
Demobilization Unit (leader)
Functional unit within the planning section responsible for assuring orderly safe and efficient demobilization of incident resources
Documentation Unit (leader)
Functional unit within the planning section responsible for collecting recording and safeguarding all documents relevant to the incident
Technical specialist
Maybe used to provide specialized information required for the initial report to the planning section but can then be assigned to any part of the ICS organization where needed.Technical specialists are responsible to provide specific technical support which may be called upon depending upon the needs of the incident. Example
Water officer
Particular hazardous materials specialize information
Gas company advisor for gas leaks
Building engineer for plans reading in a high-rise incident
Logistics Section Chief
Is responsible for providing those facilities services and materials necessary to support suppression and rescue and EMS operations
Service Branch Director
Is branch within the logistics section responsible for service activities at the incident includes the communication, medical, and food units
Communications Unit (leader)
Is an organizational unit in the logistics section responsible for providing communication services at an incident including supervision and operations of the incident communication center; distribution and recovery of communications equipment
Medical Unit (leader)
Functional unit within the service branch of logistics section responsible for the deployment of the medical emergency plan and for providing emergency medical treatment of the incident personal
Food Unit (leader)
Is a functional unit within the service branch of the logistics section responsible for providing meals for incident personal
Support Branch (director)
Is a branch within the logistics section responsible for providing personal equipment and supplies to support incident operations includes the supply facilities and grounds support units
Supply unit (leader) Facilities unit (leader) Ground support unit (leader)
Supply unit (leader)
Is a functional unit within the support branch of the logistics section Responsible for ordering receiving storing and processing of all incident related resources and personnel and supplies
The supply unit leader has the basic responsibility for all off incident ordering
All tactical and support resources including personal
Food and liquids orders for feeding of incident personal
Facilities Unit (leader)
Is a functional unit within the support branch of the logistics section that provides fix facilities for the incident. these facilities may include the incident base feeding area, sleeping areas sanitary facilities etc.
Ground support
Is a functional unit within the support branch of the logistics section that is responsible for the fueling maintaining and repairing of vehicles in the transportation of personal and supplies
Finance administration section
The finance/admin section provides time, cost, procurement and compensation claims information and services for the incident
In most instances the incident commander assume the responsibility of the finance aministration section
Finance administration Chief Time unit (leader) Procurement Unit (leader) Compensation/claims unit (leader) Cost Unit (leader)
Finance administration section chief
Is responsible for all incidents cost and financial considerations
This includes time unit, procurement unit, compensation claims unit and cost unit
Time unit (leader)
Functional unit within the Finance administration section responsible for recording time for the incident personnel and hired equipment
Procurement Unit (leader)
Functional unit within the Finance administration section responsible for financial matters involving vendor contracts
Compensation/claims Unit (leader)
Functional unit within the finance administration section responsible for financial concerns resulting from property damage injuries or fatalities at the incident
Cost Unit (leader)
Functional unit with in the finance a ministration section responsible for tracking cars analyzing cost data making cost estimates and recommending cost saving measures
