ICS 100.b Incident Command System Flashcards

Incident Command System Key Concepts

• Branch Supervisor: Reports to the Branch Director within the Operations Section.
• First Task Upon Arrival: Response personnel must check in and receive their assignments upon deployment at the incident scene.
• Staging Area: Facility where personnel and equipment wait for tactical assignments during an incident.
• Leaving Incident Assignment: Personnel must avoid self-dispatching to different incidents before completing formal procedures.
• Media Inquiries: Managed by the Public Information Officer at the incident scene.

ICS Organizational Structure

• Tactical Activities: Assigned to the Planning Section to implement actions for achieving incident objectives.
• Command Staff Titles: Members use the title "Officer" within the Incident Command System.
• Operations Section Chief Role: Responsible for directing tactical actions to meet incident objectives.
• Span of Control: Refers to how many individuals or resources one supervisor can effectively manage during an incident.

Response Coordination and Communication

• Dividing Incidents: Operations Section can use "Divisions" to geographically split incidents.
• Interoperability: Ensures communication equipment, procedures, and systems can work together during responses.
• Planning Section Activities: Main tasks include preparing and documenting Incident Action Plans.

Incident Management Responsibilities

• Overall Incident Management: The Incident Commander holds the highest responsibility for managing on-scene incidents.
• Accountability Measures: Includes check-in, initial briefings, record-keeping, and demobilization procedures.
• Finance/Administration Functions: Responsible for time accounting and procuring necessary items for the incident.

Unified Command and Command Staff

• Unified Command Structure: Used when multiple Incident Commanders from different jurisdictions establish incident objectives together.
• Command Staff Designation: Includes personnel designated for public information, safety, and liaison roles.
• Liaison Officer Role: Acts as a primary point of contact for other response organizations.

Command Definitions and Communication

• Director Title Variability: Individuals serving as Directors may not retain that title when deployed under the ICS structure.
• Command Defined: Engaging in directing, ordering, or controlling through delegated authority.
• Efficient Communication: Requires adherence to common terminology within the ICS framework.

General ICS Overview

• Incident Command System (ICS): A standardized incident management approach designed for use across various hazards.
• Resource Team Differences: Strike Teams comprise similar resources, while Task Forces contain mixed resources.
• Logistics Section Chief Role: Ensures personnel receive necessary support like food, communication, and medical assistance to achieve operational objectives.
• Public Information Officer Support Limitations: The Public Information Officer does not have a deputy support position.