NIMS and Incident Command

• National Incident Management System (NIMS) is essential for managing incident resources and ensuring firefighter safety and operational priorities are addressed at the fire scene.
• Decision making at the incident scene requires recognition-primed decision making (RPD) due to time constraints.
• NIMS is required by NFPA 1500 and OSHA regulations for hazardous materials response.
• NIMS was developed from the FIRESCOPE Incident Command System, which was initially used for large wildland fires in California.
• NIMS should be used for all incidents, regardless of their size, and the entire response community should be trained in its use.
• Unified command is established in NIMS for situations in which multiple agencies or jurisdictions are involved.
• A single command is preferred over a shared, or unified, command whenever possible.
• Police departments may assist in evacuating or isolating the area during a structure fire, but the fire department should retain control.
• The police department supervisor should coordinate police activities from the fire department incident command post and be equipped with a radio capable of communicating with all police personnel.
• NIMS is capable of effectively managing any emergency situation that the IC may encounter.

1. Unified command may not always be necessary for structure fires.
2. Problems can arise when different agencies have different priorities.
3. NIMS requires one operations chief to direct all field units.
4. The first-arriving company officer must establish command.
5. Company officers have three command options: investigation, fast attack, or command.
6. The preferred fast attack mode places the company officer as part of the interior attack crew.
7. There must always be someone in command of every incident.
8. The first-arriving officer must report conditions upon arrival at the scene.
9. The initial report should match department needs and resources.
10. Good communication techniques should be used when using the radio.

Test your knowledge of incident command and management with this quiz! From NIMS to decision making techniques, this quiz covers a range of topics essential to ensuring firefighter safety and effective emergency response. Sharpen your skills and learn more about the best practices for managing any emergency situation. Keywords: NIMS, incident command, firefighter safety, emergency response, decision making.