Incident Command and Unified Command Principles

Questions and Answers

How many types can incidents be categorized into?

5 types

What is the basis for incident typing?

Complexity

Type 5 incidents are the ____ complex.

Least

Type 1 incidents are the ____ complex.

Most Signup and view all the answers

Describe the resources for a Type 5 Incident.

1 or 2 single resources, up to 6 personnel, Command and General Staff positions (other than Incident Commander) are not activated. Signup and view all the answers

What is the time span for a Type 5 Incident?

Incident contained within the first operational period often within a few hours after resources arrive on scene, no IAP. Signup and view all the answers

What is unity of command?

Under unity of command, personnel report to one supervisor and receive work assignments from their supervisors. Signup and view all the answers

What is Unified Command?

In Unified Command, all of the Incident Commanders from different jurisdictions and organizations operate together to form a single command structure. Signup and view all the answers

What are some features of Unified Command?

A single, integrated incident organization; shared facilities; one set of incident objectives; a single planning process and incident action plan; integrated General Staff; coordinated process for resource ordering. Signup and view all the answers

What are some benefits of Unified Command?

Shared understanding of priorities and restrictions; single set of incident objectives; collaborative strategies; improved internal and external information flow; less duplication of efforts; better resource utilization. Signup and view all the answers

What are the two types of communication?

Formal Communication and Informal Communication. Signup and view all the answers

Which type of communication follows the line of authority?

Formal communication. Signup and view all the answers

What is formal communication used for?

Receiving and giving work assignments; requesting support or additional resources; reporting progress of assigned tasks. Signup and view all the answers

In which type of communication is incident information passed horizontally or vertically?

Informal communication. Signup and view all the answers

What is informal communication used for?

Used for exchanging incident or event information; not used for formal requests or tasking work assignments. Signup and view all the answers

What does leadership mean in incident management?

Providing purpose, direction, and motivation for responders working to accomplish difficult tasks under dangerous, stressful circumstances. Signup and view all the answers

What are common leadership responsibilities?

Communicates by giving specific instructions and asking for feedback; supervises the scene of action; evaluates the effectiveness of the plan; understands and accepts the need to modify plans or instructions; ensures safe work practices; takes command of assigned resources; motivates with a 'can do safely' attitude; demonstrates initiative by taking action. Signup and view all the answers

What are the leadership values?

Duty, Commitment, Respect, Integrity. Signup and view all the answers

To ensure sharing of critical information, responders must?

Brief others as needed; debrief their actions; communicate hazards to others; acknowledge messages; ask if they don't know. Signup and view all the answers

What are the three briefing elements?

Task (what needs to be done), Purpose (why it needs to be done), End State (what it should look like when it is done). Signup and view all the answers

What do the assessment methods include in incident management?

Corrective action report/after action review; post-incident analysis; debriefing; post-incident critique; mitigation plans. Signup and view all the answers

Once the incident is formally designated, ICS terminology is always used for?

Organizational functions; incident facilities; resource descriptions; position titles. Signup and view all the answers

What is the ICS span of control for any supervisor?

Between 3 to 7 subordinates; ideally does not exceed more than 5. Signup and view all the answers

How is the span of control accomplished?

Accomplished by organizing your resources into teams, groups, branches, or sections. Signup and view all the answers

What influences the span of control?

The type and complexity of the event; the nature of the response or task, distance, and safety. Signup and view all the answers

In approximately _____% of incidents, the organizational structure consists of:

95% Command and Single resource. Signup and view all the answers

Incidents that begin with single resources may rapidly expand requiring significant additional resources and support.

True Signup and view all the answers

What is one thing expanding incidents may add to the organizational structure?

They may add supervisory layers to the organizational structure. Signup and view all the answers

What does using specific ICS position titles ensure?

A common standard for performance expectations; that qualified individuals fill positions; that required personnel are qualified; standardized communication; awareness of the responsibilities involved with the position. Signup and view all the answers

What is the definition of authority?

A right or obligation to act on behalf of a department, agency, or jurisdiction. Signup and view all the answers

Where does the scope of authority come from?

From existing laws, agency policies, and procedures; through a delegation of authority from the agency administrator or elected official. Signup and view all the answers

Who is authority issued by?

The chief elected official, chief executive officer, or agency administrator in writing or verbally. Signup and view all the answers

Does delegation of authority allow the incident commander to assume command?

False Signup and view all the answers

What does delegation of authority not allow for?

False Signup and view all the answers

When is delegation of authority needed?

When the incident is outside the Incident Commander's jurisdiction; when the incident scope is complex or beyond existing authorities; when required by law or procedures. Signup and view all the answers

ICS is managed by....

Objectives. Signup and view all the answers

Objectives are communicated throughout the entire ICS organization through what?

The incident planning process. Signup and view all the answers

In the initial response, what must the first responder do?

Conduct a size-up; determine the nature and magnitude of the incident; hazards and safety concerns; initial priorities and immediate resource requirements; the location of the ICP and staging area; entrance and exit routes for responders. Signup and view all the answers

What are the overall priorities for everything?

Life safety; incident stabilization; property preservation. Signup and view all the answers

What do the SMART Incident Objectives stand for?

Specific; Measurable; Action oriented; Realistic; Time sensitive. Signup and view all the answers

What are Incident Objectives?

State what will be accomplished. Signup and view all the answers

What are Strategies?

Establish the general plan or direction for accomplishing the incident objectives. Signup and view all the answers

What are Tactics?

Specify how the strategies will be executed. Signup and view all the answers

The Incident Action Plan answers a couple of questions. What are these questions?

How will information be communicated? What is the procedure if someone is injured? What do we want to do? Who is responsible for doing it? Signup and view all the answers

What are the most common preparedness plans?

Federal, state, or local emergency operations plans (EOPs); standard operating guidelines; standard operation procedures; jurisdictional or agency policies. Signup and view all the answers

What is the overall purpose of an EOP?

To provide a uniform response to all hazards. Signup and view all the answers

Where are EOPs developed?

At the local, state, and federal levels. Signup and view all the answers

What about EOPs written after October 2005?

They must be consistent with NIMS. Signup and view all the answers

What are mutual aid and assistance agreements?

Agreements between organizations that provide a mechanism to quickly obtain emergency assistance. Signup and view all the answers

Jurisdictions should NOT be party to agreements with the appropriate organizations from which they expect to receive, or to which they expect to provide, assistance.

False Signup and view all the answers

Mutual aid is the voluntary provision of resources by organizations to assist each other.

True Signup and view all the answers

What do mutual aid and assistance agreements allow for?

They allow jurisdictions to share resources among mutual aid partners. Signup and view all the answers

What is an example of a mutual aid and assistance agreement at the local level?

Agreements with neighboring jurisdictions. Signup and view all the answers

What is an example of a mutual aid and assistance agreement at the state level?

Emergency Management Assistance Compact (EMAC). Signup and view all the answers

What is an example of a mutual aid and assistance agreement at the federal level?

National Response Framework (NRF). Signup and view all the answers

What are the command staff?

Incident Commander; Public Information Officer (PIO); Liaison Officer; Safety Officer. Signup and view all the answers

Principal command staff can designate assistants.

True Signup and view all the answers

What are the two types of agencies?

Assisting agency; Cooperating agency. Signup and view all the answers

What does an assisting agency do?

They provide personnel, services, or other resources to the agency with direct responsibility for incident management and have direct responsibility for incident response. Signup and view all the answers

Who is an agency representative?

An individual assigned to an incident from an assisting or cooperating agency with delegated authority to make decisions on matters affecting that agency's participation at the incident. Signup and view all the answers

What does a cooperating agency do?

They supply assistance other than direct operational support functions or resources to the incident management effort. Signup and view all the answers

In expanding incidents, who can an incident commander activate and delegate authority to?

Section chiefs; branch directors; division/group supervisors; team/unit leaders. Signup and view all the answers

What does the operations section do?

Directs and coordinates all incident tactical operations. Signup and view all the answers

What is typically the first organization to be assigned to the incident?

The operations section. Signup and view all the answers

How does the operations section expand?

From the bottom up. Signup and view all the answers

Which section has the most resources?

Operations section. Signup and view all the answers

What section may have staging areas and special organizations?

Operations section. Signup and view all the answers

Who is responsible to the Incident Commander for the direct management of all incident-related operational activities?

Operations Section Chief. Signup and view all the answers

What are some of the jobs of the operations section chief?

Establishes tactical objectives for each operational period; has direct involvement in the preparation of the IAP; may have one or more deputies assigned. Signup and view all the answers

Tell me about staging areas.

Staging areas are set up at the incident and consist of resources that are assigned and ready for deployment; out of service resources are NOT located at the staging area. Signup and view all the answers

Once the staging area is designated, what happens?

A staging area manager will be appointed, who will report to the Operations Section Chief. Signup and view all the answers

Within the Operations Section, what do divisions do?

They organize incident resources by geographical area. Signup and view all the answers

Within the Operations Section, what do groups do?

They divide incident resources into functional areas, not necessarily within a single geographic division; may be assigned to work within existing boundaries or across multiple divisions. Signup and view all the answers

Tell me about branches within the operations section.

Branches have functional or geographical responsibility for major parts of incident operations. Signup and view all the answers

How are branches identified?

By Roman numerals or functional name. Signup and view all the answers

Who are branches managed by?

A branch director. Signup and view all the answers

What is the Air Operations Branch?

Activated to coordinate the use of aviation resources. Signup and view all the answers

Who manages the Air Operations Branch?

The Air Operations Branch Director. Signup and view all the answers

Who does the Air Operations Branch Director report to?

The Operations Section Chief. Signup and view all the answers

What functional groups may be included within the Air Operations Branch?

Air Support Group; Air Tactical Group. Signup and view all the answers

What are some jobs of the Planning Section?

Maintains resource and situation status; prepares IAP and Demobilization Plan; designs strategies; provides documentation services; provides a location for technical specialists; responsible for gathering and disseminating information and intelligence critical to the incident. Signup and view all the answers

Who are some of the key personnel in the Planning Section?

Planning Section Chief; Deputy Technical Specialist (maybe...they initially report to and work within the planning section). Signup and view all the answers

What is the logistics section responsible for?

Communications; medical support to incident personnel; food for incident personnel; supplies, facilities, and ground support. Signup and view all the answers

What are the two branches within the Logistics Section?

Service Branch; Support Branch. Signup and view all the answers

What is the Service Branch of the Logistics Section made up of?

Communication Unit; Medical Unit; Food Unit. Signup and view all the answers

What is the Support Branch of the Logistics Section made up of?

Supply Unit; Facilities Unit; Ground Support Unit. Signup and view all the answers

What does the Finance/Administration Section do?

This section is established when incident management activities require finance and other administrative support services; handles claims related to property damage, injuries, or fatalities at the incident. Signup and view all the answers

What are the ICS tools?

ICS Forms; Position description and responsibility document; Emergency Operations Plan; Agency policies and procedures manual; Maps. Signup and view all the answers

Effective briefings and meetings are?

An essential element of good supervision and incident management; intended to pass along vital information. Signup and view all the answers

Who are effective briefings and meetings distributed to?

Staff; Field; Section. Signup and view all the answers

When is the operational period briefing conducted?

At the beginning of each operational period. Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of the operational period briefing?

Presents the IAP for the upcoming period to personnel within the operations section. Signup and view all the answers

Does standardization limit flexibility?

False Signup and view all the answers

What is the Incident Command Organizational Structure based on?

Size and complexity of the incident; specifics of the hazard environment created by the incident; incident planning process and incident objectives. Signup and view all the answers

Things to remember:

Only functions/positions that are necessary to achieve incident objectives are filled; each activated element must have a person in charge; an effective span of control must be maintained. Signup and view all the answers

Can organizational elements be activated without activating the Section Chief?

False Signup and view all the answers

Is it ok to combine ICS positions to save on staffing?

False Signup and view all the answers

Is it ok to use nonstandard titles or hybrid positions?

False Signup and view all the answers

What are some of the steps in resource management?

Establishment of resource needs; resource ordering; check-in process and tracking; resource utilization and evaluation; resource demobilization. Signup and view all the answers

What does kinds of resources mean?

Describe what the resource is. Signup and view all the answers

What does types of resources mean?

Definition missing. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Unity of Command

Personnel report to one supervisor under unity of command.
Work assignments are provided by supervisors.

Unified Command

Formed by Incident Commanders from various jurisdictions and organizations.
Creates a singular command structure for incident management.

Features of Unified Command

Integrates a single incident organization.
Shares facilities and creates one set of incident objectives.
Involves a single planning process and incident action plan.
Features an integrated General Staff and resource ordering coordination.

Benefits of Unified Command

Promotes shared understanding of priorities and restrictions.
Establishes a collaborative strategy and a single set of incident objectives.
Improves information flow and minimizes duplication of efforts.
Enhances better resource utilization.

Types of Communication

Two types: formal and informal communication.

Formal Communication

Follows the line of authority.
Used for assigning work, requesting resources, and reporting progress.

Informal Communication

Information is shared horizontally and vertically.
Primarily for exchanging incident-related information, not formal requests.

Leadership

Involves providing direction, purpose, and motivation amidst stressful circumstances.

Leadership Responsibilities

Communicates instructions, supervises action scenes, and evaluates plans.
Understands the need for plan modifications and ensures safe work practices.
Motivates personnel with a positive attitude and demonstrates initiative.

Leadership Values

Duty, Commitment, Respect, Integrity.

Responders should brief and debrief actions, communicate hazards, acknowledge messages, and ask questions when unclear.

Briefing Elements

Task: What needs to be done.
Purpose: Why it needs to be done.
End State: Desired outcome when completed.

Incident Management Assessment Methods

Includes reports, post-incident analysis, debriefing, critiques, and mitigation plans.

ICS Terminology

Must be used for organizational functions, incident facilities, resource descriptions, and position titles after incident designation.

Span of Control

Ideally between 3 to 7 subordinates, with an optimal of 5.
Achieved by organizing resources into teams, groups, branches, or sections.

Influences on Span of Control

Affects from the type and complexity of events and safety concerns.

Incident Structure

95% of incidents have a command structure consisting of a single resource.

Incident Expansion

Initial incidents can grow rapidly, requiring additional resources and supervisory layers.

ICS Position Titles

Ensure a standard performance expectation, qualification awareness, and effective communication.

Authority

Defined as the right or obligation to act on behalf of a department or agency, coming from laws and agency policies.

Delegation of Authority

Allows incident commanders to assume command but does not relieve the granting authority of ultimate responsibility.

Delegation Needs

Required for incidents outside an Incident Commander's jurisdiction or when complexity exceeds existing authority.

ICS Management

Managed through objectives communicated by the incident planning process.

Initial Response Actions

First responders conduct a size-up and identify nature, hazards, priorities, resource needs, and access routes.

Overall Incident Priorities

Life safety, incident stabilization, and property preservation.

SMART Incident Objectives

Specific, Measurable, Action-oriented, Realistic, Time-sensitive.

Incident Objectives

Define what will be accomplished during the incident.

Strategies and Tactics

Strategies set the general plan; tactics specify execution methods.

Incident Action Plan (IAP)

Addresses communication methods, injury procedures, goals, and responsibilities for the upcoming period.

Preparedness Plans

Include emergency operations plans, standard operating guidelines, and jurisdictional policies.

Emergency Operations Plans (EOP)

Aim to provide a uniform response to various hazards, developed at local, state, and federal levels.

Mutual Aid Agreements

Provide rapid emergency assistance among organizations, allowing for resource sharing among jurisdictions.

Command Staff

Comprises the Incident Commander, Public Information Officer, Liaison Officer, and Safety Officer, which can designate assistants.

Agency Types

Assisting agencies provide direct resources; cooperating agencies offer support without direct operational functions.

Operations Section

Directs all tactical operations and is typically the first assigned to the incident.

Staging Areas

Set up for resources ready for deployment and managed by a staging area manager reporting to the Operations Section Chief.

Sections within Operations

Divisions organize resources geographically; groups categorize them functionally.

Logistics Section

Responsible for communications, medical support, food supply, and resource management through service and support branches.

Finance/Administration Section

Established for financial and administrative support, handles claims for damages or injuries at the incident.

ICS Tools

Include forms, position documents, emergency operations plans, policies, and maps for effective management.

Effective Briefings

Key for supervision and incident management, ensuring vital information is communicated across all levels.

Operational Period Briefing

Conducted at the start of operational periods to present IAP for upcoming tasks.

Standardization and Flexibility

Standardization allows for flexibility within small and catastrophic operations without hindering adaptation.

Organizational Structure Basis

Guided by the size and complexity of the incident, hazards, and planning processes.

Resource Management Steps

Establish resource needs, ordering, check-in processes, tracking, evaluation, and demobilization of resources.

Incident Typing

Incidents are categorized into five types based on their complexity.

Complexity Levels

Type 5 incidents are the least complex, while Type 1 incidents are the most complex.

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Description

Explore the essential concepts of unity of command and unified command in incident management. This quiz covers the structure, benefits, and types of communication within command frameworks. Test your knowledge on how effective command organization can enhance emergency response efforts.