Incident Management Systems (IMS) - Fire 1106 Module 3

Vocabulary flashcards covering essential IMS concepts, roles, components, and terminology from the notes.

Incident Management System (IMS)

A flexible framework for organizing and managing incident response; assigns tasks, provides accountability, and enhances safety across agencies.

Incident Commander (IC)

The individual responsible for overall incident management; controls the incident, directs resources, and ensures safety and organizational decisions.

NFPA 1561

Standard for Incident Management outlining minimum IMS requirements and the components of ICS (e.g., IC, Command Staff, Planning, Logistics, Operations, Staging, Finance/Administration).

National Incident Management System (NIMS)

A nationwide standardized approach to incident management that promotes coordination among response agencies; composed of five major subsystems.

Incident Command System (ICS)

A modular, scalable management structure under NIMS used to command, control, and coordinate incidents.

Standard Operating Procedures/Guidelines (SOPs/SOGs)

Foundational documents that spell out standard courses of action; cover all incident aspects and require continual review.

NIMS five major subsystems

ICS; Training; Qualifications and Certification; Publications Management; Support Technologies.

Unified Command

A joint command structure across multiple agencies with one command post to minimize freelancing and improve interagency coordination.

Span of Control

The number of individuals or resources one supervisor can effectively manage during an incident; a key factor in effective IMS.

Command Staff

Individuals who report directly to the Incident Commander: Safety Officer, Public Information Officer, Liaison Officer, and Intelligence Officer.

General Staff

Incident management personnel organized by function (Operations, Planning, Logistics, Finance/Administration) who report to the Incident Commander.

Operations Section

Manages all tactical operations (search and rescue, extinguishment, medical care); typically the most resource-rich and complex section.

Planning Section

Develops the Incident Action Plan and collects/evaluates tactical information to guide operations.

Logistics Section

Addresses support needs and activities (resources, facilities, transportation, communications) required to support operations.

Finance/Administration Section

Manages incident costs, procurement, and administrative financial activities.

Incident Action Plan (IAP)

A plan required for every incident that covers all tactical and support activities and coordinates multiagency efforts.

Staging

A designated area to locate resources ready for immediate assignment; Level 1 is near the incident; Level 2 is a formal staging area away from the incident.

Single Resource

A single unit or person ready for deployment to incident tasks.

Task Force

A group of resources with varied types assembled to achieve a specific objective.

Strike Team

A set of resources of the same type with a common communications plan, assigned together to an incident.

Division

Units operating in a geographic area within the incident management structure.

Branch

Units that extend beyond the span of control of a single division or group, used for operations exceeding that span.

Group

Units assigned to accomplish a specific function within the incident (e.g., search and rescue, medical).

Public Information Officer (PIO)

Disseminates information to the public and media; provides critical incident-related information and protective actions.

Safety Officer

Command Staff member focused on the safety of firefighters and overall operation; monitors hazards and risks.

Liaison Officer

Point of contact for non-fire agencies; coordinates with representatives from other agencies; not always required for every incident.

Intelligence Officer

gathers and manages information relevant to the incident to support incident command decisions.

Common Terminology

Predesignated, standardized identifiers for organizational functions, resources, facilities, and other elements to ensure clear communication.

NIMS Integration Center

Center composed of public and private agencies that promotes compatibility of standards with local protocols and defines training and certification requirements.