OG 1.1 Portland Fire & Rescue Incident Command System Operational Guidelines

These flashcards cover key terminology and concepts related to the Portland Fire & Rescue Incident Command System Operational Guidelines.

Incident Command System (ICS)

A standardized approach to incident management that enables effective and efficient coordination of emergency management.

National Incident Management System (NIMS)

A comprehensive, national approach to incident management that is applicable at all levels of government, the private sector, and non-profit organizations.

Superfund Amendment and Reauthorization Act (SARA)

Legislation requiring organizations responding to hazardous materials incidents to use ICS.

Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA)

A federal agency which sets and enforces safety and health standards in the workplace, including regulations regarding ICS.

National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) Standard 1500

A standard requiring fire departments to have written procedures for an ICS and ensuring training for all members.

Common Terminology

Standardized terms used in ICS to ensure clear communication and prevent confusion in emergency management.

Modular Organization

An ICS structure that develops from the top down, allowing for flexibility and adaptability during incidents.

Integrated Communications

Managing the communications network at the scene of an incident using a common communications plan.

Unified Command Structure

A command structure in which multiple agencies work together to manage an incident.

Incident Action Plan (IAP)

A plan that outlines the objectives and strategies for managing a specific incident.

Manageable Span of Control

The number of personnel that one supervisor can effectively manage, typically between three to seven individuals.

Designated Incident Facilities

Specific areas established during an incident for command and logistics operations, such as the Incident Command Post.

Comprehensive Resource Management

Managing resources through single resources, task forces, or strike teams depending on the incident needs.

Command Function

The role responsible for managing all functions of an incident, established by the first arriving officer.

Incident Commander (IC)

The person responsible for the overall management and decision-making at an incident.

Transferring Command

The process of officially passing command of the incident from one officer to another.

Tactical Priorities

The three key priorities that incident commanders must identify: Life Safety, Incident Stabilization, and Property Conservation.

Life Safety

The foremost priority in incident management, focusing on the safety and welfare of all personnel and civilians.

Incident Stabilization

The process of controlling the incident to reduce its impact on people and the environment.

Property Conservation

Efforts focused on minimizing damage to property during an incident.

Strategic Goals

Specific objectives that must be achieved to maintain incident control.

Observation

The act of gathering information about the current conditions at an incident scene.

Prediction

Anticipating future problems or developments at an incident to operate proactively.

Safety Officer

A designated individual responsible for enforcing safety protocols at an incident.

Liaison Officer

The individual who serves as the point of contact for outside agencies and coordinates their involvement.

Public Information Officer (PIO)

The person responsible for managing information dissemination to the media and public.

Operations Section

The component responsible for managing all tactical operations directly associated with the incident.

Divisions

Sections of the ICS responsible for operations within a specific geographic area during an incident.

Groups

Teams assigned to specific functions across divisions, responsible for particular tasks such as search and rescue.

Branches

Segments of an incident that are established when the span of control exceeds capacity for effective management.

Incident Command Post

The location from which all incident operations are directed.

Incident Base

The site where primary logistics functions are coordinated during larger incidents.

Task Force

A group of various resources assembled for a specific tactical mission.

Strike Team

A specified combination of the same type of resources focused on a unified operation.

Size-up

The initial assessment conducted by the IC to evaluate the situation upon arrival.

Alpha Side

The designated side of an occupancy or incident which is referred to for orientation during command operations.

Resource Needs Assessment

The process of determining what additional resources are necessary based on the evolving conditions of an incident.

Coordination

The essential process for successful incident management that ensures all units are working effectively together.

Safety Procedures

Protocols established to protect personnel at the scene of an incident.

Accountability

The tracking and management of personnel and resources during an incident operation.

Communication Plan

A strategy designed to manage all communications during an incident efficiently.

Information Management

The process of collecting, analyzing, and disseminating information for decision-making during an incident.

Incident Complexity

The degree to which an incident requires management and coordination based on its characteristics.

Emergency Scene Organization

The structure established to manage an incident efficiently and effectively.

Hazards Identification

The process of identifying existing and potential dangers at an incident site.

Tactical Objectives

Clear and concise directives outlining what actions need to be taken during an incident.

Simplified ICS Structure

A basic version of ICS that can manage most incidents effectively.

Multi-agency Involvement

The collaboration of multiple agencies in the response and management of an incident.

Emergency Operations

Actions taken to manage and mitigate an incident effectively.

Continuous Learning

The practice of evaluating incident management for improvements and efficiencies in response activities.

Incident Management System

A systematic method for managing emergency incidents and resources.

Proactive Operations

Taking anticipatory actions to address potential problems before they arise during incidents.

Fire Chief

The highest-ranking officer in a fire department responsible for its overall management; in this context, John Klum.

Prepared By

Indicates the individual responsible for creating the document, in this case, Kyle Wochnick.

Revision Date

The date the document was last updated or amended.

Effective Date

The date on which the guidelines become applicable.

Publications Committee

The group responsible for reviewing documents for accuracy and consistency before publication.