UNIT 16 INCIDENT COMMAND

Definition of ICS: A standardized approach to the command, control, and coordination of on-scene incident management that provides a common hierarchy for personnel from multiple organizations.
Applicability: Used by all levels of government and non-government organizations.
Goal: To enable incident managers from different organizations to work together seamlessly across disciplines.
Flexibility: ICS is a flexible, standardized, and all-hazards incident management approach, applicable for both emergencies and planned events.
Relation to NIMS: ICS is a component of the National Incident Management System (NIMS).

Common Terminology: Establishes language that allows diverse organizations to work together.
Modular Organization: The ICS organization expands based on incident size and complexity, with functional responsibilities delegated.
Management by Objectives: Involves developing and issuing assignments, plans, procedures, and protocols for identified tasks.
Incident Action Planning: A method for capturing and communicating overall incident priorities, objectives, strategies, tactics, and assignments coherently.
Manageable Span of Control: Refers to the number of individuals/resources a supervisor can manage effectively.
Incident Facilities and Locations: Various support facilities may include:
- Incident Command Post (ICP)
- Incident base, staging areas, and camps
- Mass casualty triage areas
- Points of distribution
- Emergency shelters
Comprehensive Resource Management: Mechanism for resource management including identification, ordering, tracking, reporting, demobilization, and reimbursement.
Integrated Communications: Encompasses communication processes and systems for voice and data links.
Establishment and Transfer of Command: Command should be established from the onset and transferred with thorough briefings as needed.
Unified Command: Established when no single organization can manage an incident independently.
Chain of Command/Unity of Command: Orderly