ICM Incident Command System pg. 48-49

Objective of Incident Command System

• Aims to manage and organize emergency incidents using the National Incident Management System (NIMS).
• Ensures safety and efficiency in strategic and tactical operations at incident scenes.

Purpose

• Enhances management of personnel and resources during emergency incidents.
• Focuses on life safety and welfare for all personnel involved.

Command Procedures

• Assigns Command responsibility to a specific individual based on the arrival sequence of companies and Command Officers.
• Establishes a strong and visible Command from the beginning of the incident.
• Defines roles and responsibilities within the Incident Command System for effective incident organization.
• Implements a system for processing information to support incident management and decision-making.

Responsibilities of Command

• The Incident Commander is responsible for directing the Command system and building an appropriate Command structure for the incident.
• Develops and modifies strategies for achieving tactical objectives.
• Strategic objectives prioritized:
  • Identify life hazards, remove endangered occupants, and attend to the injured.
  • Stabilize the incident.
  • Conserve property.
  • Ensure safety and welfare of personnel.

Functions of Command

• The Incident Commander performs essential functions to achieve tactical objectives.
• Core functions that must be addressed immediately upon assuming Command include:
  • Establish a Command Post and its location.
  • Identify and set up a staging area, seeking police assistance for traffic control if needed.
  • Conduct an initial size-up of the situation.
  • Control communication processes using the V-TAC system.
  • Develop an incident management plan and assign roles according to procedures.
  • Create an effective Incident Command organization.
  • Continuously review, evaluate, and adjust the incident management plan.
  • Ensure continuity, transfer, and termination of Command as necessary.

Command Support Services - Police

• Essential for the security and protection of firefighters, paramedics, and civilians.
• Security requirements may include traffic management and dealing with potential interference from outside agencies.
• Police support requested to assist with traffic and scene control during emergencies.

Shift Commander (IC) Initial Actions

• The first arriving company officer provides a size-up report indicating operational mode (Investigation, Offensive, Defensive).
• When Battalion 1/2 or a staff officer arrives, they assume Command.
• The Incident Commander communicates a secondary size-up report to the Public Safety Answering Point (PSAP) including:
  • Identity of the Incident Commander (e.g., “Battalion 1 or Battalion 2”).
  • Command location (e.g., Division A).
  • Identification of a staging area if required and request for traffic control from police.

This quiz covers the objectives, purposes, and command procedures of the Incident Command System (ICS). It emphasizes the importance of the National Incident Management System (NIMS) in managing emergency incidents. Test your knowledge on the roles and responsibilities within ICS to ensure effective incident management.