IMS Manual pgs. 6-14

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.

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.