IMS Manual pgs. 6-14

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Questions and Answers

What is the primary purpose of an Area Command within an incident response?

To establish functional, geographical, or jurisdictional responsibility.

To coordinate logistical operations at a single incident base.

To manage resources at the staging area of a high-rise fire.

To handle major or complex incidents requiring additional command staff. (correct)

Which of the following BEST describes the function of a Base in incident management?

It is where personnel take breaks during operations.

It is the primary command center for the incident.

It is the location for resource staging prior to entering the incident.

It is to coordinate and administer logistic functions for an incident. (correct)

In the context of incident operations, what is the role of the Base Area Manager?

To track and deploy resources located at the Base. (correct)

To manage and control the functional branches.

To execute the 360-degree size-up procedure.

To manage logistical requests from the Incident Commander outside the Base.

Which organizational level within the Operations Section falls between the Section level and the Division/Group level?

Branch Signup and view all the answers

How are Branches typically identified within an incident management structure?

By using Roman Numerals or functional area names. Signup and view all the answers

What is the defining characteristic of a Type I (Fire Resistive) building construction, compared to Type II?

It is constructed with non-combustible or limited-combustible materials with greater fire resistance ratings than Type II. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes Type IV (Heavy Timber) construction with respect to interior elements?

Interior elements must be of solid or laminated wood without concealed spaces having specific minimum dimensions. Signup and view all the answers

What is the correct procedure for a 360-Degree Size Up?

Obtaining information about all incident conditions from every side of the of the incident response area. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following BEST describes the primary function of the intelligence/investigations component within the Incident Command System (ICS)?

To determine the origin or reason for an incident to control its effects and prevent similar incidents, while ensuring safety. Signup and view all the answers

The intelligence/investigations function in ICS is typically handled by staff primarily located within which sections?

Operations and Planning Sections. Signup and view all the answers

Which organizational structure is NOT a recognized way to organize the intelligence/investigations function within ICS?

Within the Logistics Section as a unit. Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary purpose of establishing Divisions and Groups within the ICS structure?

To maintain the span of control by creating manageable areas of operation. Signup and view all the answers

How are Divisions typically identified within the Incident Command System?

Using alphabet characters (Alpha, Bravo, Charlie, Delta) corresponding to the sides of a structure or area. Signup and view all the answers

A 'Ventilation Group' within the ICS is an example of what type of operational area?

A functional area of operation. Signup and view all the answers

If a supervisor within a group has more than 5 personnel reporting to them, what is the appropriate action within ICS?

Expand the organization by establishing new branches or divisions or consolidate existing ones. Signup and view all the answers

Within the ICS organizational structure, who does a unit assigned to a specific Group or Division report to?

The supervisor in charge of that Group or Division. Signup and view all the answers

What should occur when the number of Divisions or Groups starts to exceed the manageable span of control?

Establish branches to create another level of organizational structure. Signup and view all the answers

What is the acceptable range for span of control within ICS structure, typically?

3 to 7 Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes the function of the Planning Section Chief within the Incident Command System?

Collecting, evaluating, and disseminating tactical information and preparing Incident Action Plans. Signup and view all the answers

In the context of incident response, what does the acronym STEALTH represent?

Steps for concluding an incident and capturing lessons learned. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following accurately describes the concept of 'Unity of Command' within NIMS?

Ensuring incident personnel report to and receive direction from one supervisor only. Signup and view all the answers

Which situation would most likely necessitate the use of Unified Command?

When more than one agency has jurisdiction, or an incident crosses political boundaries. Signup and view all the answers

What distinguishes a 'Strike Team' from a 'Task Force'?

A Strike Team consists of resources of the same type, whereas a Task Force includes various resource types. Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary role of the Incident Safety Officer(ISO)?

To monitor safety conditions and implement measures to ensure the safety of all assigned personnel. Signup and view all the answers

According to the provided materials, what is a 'Working Fire'?

A fire that requires the use of all of the first alarm units. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a function of the 'Logistics Section'?

Collecting and disseminating tactical information. Signup and view all the answers

What is the main focus of pre-incident planning?

Preparing comprehensive information for managing emergency incidents. Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary role of the Command Staff Advisors within the ICS structure?

Providing specialized advisory support to the Incident Commander. Signup and view all the answers

What is meant by 'offensive mode' in the context of fire incident response?

A direct, aggressive interior fire attack based on potential survivability. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following BEST describes the 'Span of Control' principle in ICS?

The number of personnel a supervisor is responsible for managing. Signup and view all the answers

In the context of incident command, what does the acronym 'RECEOVS' stand for?

A guide for developing incident strategies that involves rescue, exposure, confinement, extinguishment, overhaul, ventilation and salvage. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes the organization level of a 'Section' within the ICS?

The organizational level between Incident Command and Branch. Signup and view all the answers

According to the principles of ICS, why is the structure considered modular?

Because it can be easily adapted to different types and sizes of incidents. Signup and view all the answers

What does the acronym 'CANS' stand for in the Communications section?

Conditions, Actions, Needs, Statement of command name Signup and view all the answers

In the context of incident management, what is the primary purpose of an Event Action Plan (EAP)?

To identify potential emergency conditions and prescribe procedures to prevent loss of life and property. Signup and view all the answers

What is the correct order of organizational levels of incident management, from largest to smallest?

Branch, Division, Unit, Group Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes the role of a 'Company Officer'?

The person responsible for a single company (e.g., Rescue, Engine, Aerial). Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary focus of operations conducted in a 'Defensive Mode'?

Suppressing the fire and preventing fire extension from outside the structure. Signup and view all the answers

How does the Incident Command Post relate to other incident facilities?

It can be co-located with the Incident Base or other incident facilities. Signup and view all the answers

According to the National Fire Academy (NFA) formula, what will the percentage involved in the Fire Flow Formula calculate?

The percentage of the building, structure or fire area that is involved. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following describes the key purpose of the Incident Management Team?

A pre-selected team of ICS-qualified personnel assigned to key ICS positions. Signup and view all the answers

What differentiates 'Emergency Traffic' from regular radio communication?

Emergency Traffic signifies an imminent danger, and is broadcasted by the dispatcher. Signup and view all the answers

What position assumes overall responsibility for the protection of lives and property at an incident?

The Incident Commander. Signup and view all the answers

What are 'Incident Objectives' intended to provide?

Statements of guidance for the selection of strategies and tactics. Signup and view all the answers

Which type of construction is classified as 'Type V (Wood Frame)' in the context of building materials?

Structures where structural elements are wood or other approved material. Signup and view all the answers

According to the text, what is/are the main difference(s) between a division and a group?

A division is responsible for a specific geographic area, while a group is responsible for a specific function. Signup and view all the answers

What does NIMS provide, in terms of dealing with emergency incidents?

A consistent foundation for managing all incidents, from minor to complex Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a component of the NIMS?

Community outreach. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Incident Command System (ICS) Definitions

360-Degree Size Up: Gathering information about all conditions at an incident from all sides.
Area Command: An expansion of Incident Command for large/complex incidents needing additional command staff.
Base: The central location for incident logistics coordination. Only one Base per incident. For high-rise fires, it's a staging area before entering the scene.
Base Area Manager: The person managing resources at the Base, assigned by the Incident Commander.
Branch: An organizational level between Section and Division/Group in Operations, responsible for significant portions of incident operations. Identified by Roman numerals or function.
Building Construction Types (I-V): Classified based on fire resistance and material composition (fire walls, structural elements, etc.). Type I is most fire resistant, Type V is wood frame.
CAN Report: A status report, including conditions, actions, and needs, used in the Communications section.
Chain of Command: The structured line of authority within the Incident Management System.
Command Officer: A single unit resource at the rank of EMS Captain or higher.
Command: Directing/controlling resources using legal/agency authority.
Command Staff: A group reporting directly to the Incident Commander, including Liaison, Public Information, Safety, and Command Staff Advisors (specialists).
Company Officer: The leader of a single company (e.g., Rescue, Engine). Typically a Lieutenant or Operational Captain.
Defensive Mode: Fire suppression outside the structure, using large fire streams to prevent fire spread.
Division: An organizational level responsible for operations in a specific geographic area, between Branch and Unit.
Division Supervisor: The person responsible for activities within a Division.
Emergency Evacuation: Warning of imminent danger, directing personnel to a safe Rally Point.
Emergency Traffic: Warning of imminent danger, announced by the dispatcher and request by units in urgent need of a broadcast.
Event Action Plan (EAP): Written plan by event sponsors and officials to manage potential emergencies, minimizing loss.
Fire Flow Formula (NFA): Formula for calculating fire flow: Length x Width / 3 x % Involved.
General Staff: A group reporting to the Incident Commander/Unified Command, for functional areas, including Operations, Planning, Logistics, Finance/Administration, and Intelligence/Investigation.
Group: An organizational level dividing incidents into functional areas of operation, between Branch and Unit.
Group Supervisor: The leader of a Group.
Incident Action Plan (IAP): A plan outlining incident objectives, tactics and support for the next 12-24 hours.
Incident Command: The overall management of the incident under the Incident Commander or Unified Command.
Incident Command Post: The primary location for Incident Command operations, potentially co-located with Base or other incident facilities. Only one per incident.
Incident Command System (ICS): A standardized system for command, control, and coordination of emergency responses across multiple agencies. 5 functional areas: Command, Operations, Planning, Logistics, Finance/Administration.
Incident Commander: Responsible for all aspects of the incident, including life and property protection.
Incident Objectives: Statements guiding incident response, using the SMART criteria (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Results-Oriented, Time-bound).
Incident Management: The overall process of planning, responding, and recovering from emergencies, using governmental/nongovernmental resources.
Incident Management Team: A group of trained personnel assigned to key ICS positions.
National Incident Management System (NIMS): A systematic approach for collaboration across all levels and sectors to manage incidents.
National Preparedness System (NPS): An organized system to achieve national preparedness.
NIMS Components: Includes Command & Management, Preparedness, Resource management, Communications/Info management, Supporting technologies and Ongoing management/maintenance.
Offensive Mode: Aggressive interior fire attack, taking direct action to resolve the issue. Believing occupants may still be alive.
RECEOVS: Acronym for developing incident strategies: Rescue, Exposures, Confinement, Extinguishment, Overhaul, Ventilation, and Salvage.
Section: An organizational element within ICS responsible for a major function, like Operations, Planning, Logistics, or Finance/Administration. Between Incident Command and Branch levels.
Span of Control: The number of subordinates reporting to a supervisor, ideally 5-7.
Staging Area: A temporary location to position resources, supplies, and equipment awaiting deployment, assignment.
STEALTH: Acronym for incident conclusion and lessons learned: Set Time, Tone, Execution, Analyze, Lessons, Transfer lessons learned, and High note.
Strategy: The overall direction to achieve incident objectives.
Strike Team: A group of similar resources with a minimum number of personnel, common communications, and leader.
Tactics: The deployment and direction of resources to meet objectives.
Task Force: A group of diverse resources with a minimum number of personnel, common communications, and leader.
Unified Command: An ICS implementation when multiple agencies have jurisdiction or incidents cross political boundaries.
Unity of Command: Guiding principle that each person in incident management reports to only one person. This requires clear communication and delegation of authority, preventing conflicting orders.
Working Fire: A fire requiring the activation of all first alarm units.

Pre-Incident Planning

Pre-incident planning is crucial for effective emergency management. Review NFPA 1620 guidelines.

ICS Organization

ICS focuses on a single Incident Commander (or Unified Command) for incident control, except in cases requiring multiple agencies or cross-jurisdictional incidents.
ICS structure adapts, adding or removing positions based on the incident.
ICS is modular, expanding as needed to maintain a manageable span of control (ideally 5-7).
Command Staff (Incident Safety Officer, Public Information Officer, Liaison Officer, Command Staff Advisors) directly support the Incident Commander.
General Staff (Operations, Planning, Logistics, Finance/Administration, Intelligence/Investigations) support the overall incident response through functional areas of specialization.
Divisions and Groups are established to maintain span of control.
Branches (if needed) are another level for larger Operations organizations, further splitting responsibilities.

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Test your knowledge on the key definitions of the Incident Command System (ICS). This quiz covers important terms such as 360-Degree Size Up, Area Command, and more. Perfect for emergency responders and management professionals looking to enhance their understanding of incident command principles.