Emergency Operations Chapter 7

The process of establishing a command structure and using the ICS model to manage and control the incident.

The first-arriving fire officer assumes the role of incident commander (IC) and is responsible for overall incident management.

The most important priorities for the IC are ensuring the safety of all involved, stabilizing the incident, and protecting property from any further damage.

The fire officer must create a command structure that aligns with the incident needs, translate strategic priorities into tactical objectives, and assign necessary resources for carrying out tasks.

The first person to arrive at the scene establishes command and remains in charge until command is transferred to a higher-ranking officer or the situation stabilizes.

The first five minutes of an incident heavily influence the rest of the response, determining the trajectory of the incident management process.

The fire officer oversees the development of strategies, tactics, and resource allocation to effectively manage the incident.

Most of the tactical and task-level activities within a fire department fall under the operations section within the ICS framework.

NIMS stands for National Incident Management System. It's a standardized approach to managing incidents, no matter the cause, size, complexity, or type.

NIMS principles are taught in incident management courses, making it a core component of emergency response training.

Adopting NIMS can help communities receive federal grant funding for emergency preparedness.

Incident Command System (ICS) is a key part of NIMS, and training is available at various levels.

ICS training is essential for emergency responders. It's structured with courses at different levels, from introductory to advanced, to address various incident complexities.

The ICS has three levels of command: strategic, tactical, and task. These levels work together to achieve incident objectives.

The strategic level is responsible for the overall direction and goals of an incident. The incident commander oversees this level.

The tactical level focuses on achieving the strategic goals through specific actions. Tactical supervisors manage resources and assign tasks.

The systematic process of gathering and evaluating information to understand a situation and create a plan to address it.

Information about emergency incidents, including the type, location, potential hazards, and resources available.

Initial size-up begins before arrival and continues throughout the incident, constantly adjusting plans based on new information.

A written or verbal plan that outlines how to respond to an emergency, including objectives, strategies, and assigned resources.

The ability to anticipate what might happen next based on current information and knowledge.

A five-step process published by NFPA in 1953 that forms the foundation for fireground analysis.

A process combining size-up practices with the Incident Management System (IMS) to manage company tactical operations during an emergency.

The continuous collection of information, evaluation of the situation, and adjustment of plans to guide the response to an emergency.

The first stage of size-up, where the fire officer receives information about the incident from dispatch.

This information helps the fire officer anticipate the situation and gather information about the location, nature of the incident, and any pre-existing plans.

The on-scene observations and assessment of the fire situation, using a systematic approach and considering key factors like building size, type of construction, occupancy, and fire and smoke conditions.

The ability to understand and recognize the basic principles of fire spread, including conduction, convection, and radiation.

The use of past experience and knowledge to understand present situations and anticipate potential outcomes.

Dark, thick smoke that signals a high heat release rate, indicating potential flashover conditions.

A systematic five-step process for size-up, developed by Chief Lloyd Layman, helping fire officers analyze situations and make informed decisions.

Fire fighters should wear appropriate safety gear to protect themselves from extreme weather conditions. Factors like weight, bulkiness, and heat insulation should be considered.

The initial Incident Commander (IC) provides a report to the new IC, including details like the incident location, the number of patients, and the nature of the hazardous materials spill.

Transfer of command officially takes place only after the new IC has received a briefing from the initial IC about the incident.

Fire fighters should undergo rehabilitation after strenuous tasks to recover physically and mentally. This helps prevent fatigue and injuries.

After the transfer of command, the new IC decides the best role for the previous IC.

The scene of an emergency should be made safe for firefighters, including identifying and mitigating potential hazards like traffic, holes in the ground, and the risk of collapse.

A designated crew of firefighters trained for swift rescue operations. They are ready to enter a building to rescue lost or trapped firefighters.

The new IC may assign the previous IC as a Division Supervisor or a Group Supervisor.

The scale and complexity of the incident determine how much the incident management structure needs to be expanded.

When a firefighter calls for help (Mayday), the RIC is immediately deployed to the scene. Their priority is to locate and rescue the distressed firefighter.

In a large-scale incident, command responsibility is transferred to a higher-ranking officer. This transfer needs to follow a standard procedure that improves overall command efficiency and coordination

The NIMS was developed based on the successful practices of the FIRESCOPE and FGC programs.

During a transfer of command, the new officer should communicate with the previous commander. A face-to-face meeting is preferred, but a radio communication is acceptable.

NIMS provides a standardized framework enabling different organizations, including government agencies, private entities, and non-governmental organizations, to work together effectively during emergencies.

NIMS can be adapted to handle larger and more complex incidents by adding more resources and personnel.

The primary responsibility of the Incident Commander (IC) is to ensure the safety of all personnel at the incident, including firefighters, civilians, and other responders.