Troy Fire Department Incident Command System Overview

ICS Philosophy Applies to all participants officers & firefighters Can be used at any size incident varying degrees of implementation analogous to a tool box – use only the tool(s) the task requires

ICS Components Common Terminology Modular Organization Integrated Communications Risk Assessment Incident Action Plan (IAP) Span of Control

IC Responsibilities Assessing Incident Priorities Life Safety Incident Stabilization Property Conservation Evaluating Level of Risk Developing & Implementing IAP Determining Strategy & Tactics

IC Responsibilities Developing an Appropriate Incident Command Structure Organizing Assessing Resource Needs Coordinating Overall Activities Establish Appropriate Command Post

Risk Assessment Continuous process throughout each incident At a minimum, the risk analysis for a structure fire should consider: Building characteristics Fire factors Risk to building occupants & fire fighters Fire fighting capabilities

Staging Area – Level I Location for initial assignment of units Located on scene with apparatus Staging manager must be assigned early in the incident who is responsible for: tracking personnel establishing RIT informing IC of personnel status & any additional needed resources

Staging Area – Level II Location for additional responding units Apparatus & personnel not immediately needed – waiting for an assignment Located nearby the scene at an intersection in a parking lot Staging manager responsible for assembling units into crews until given an assignment

Division / Group / Crew Organizational level responsible for operations in a specific geographical area or a specific functional assignment Used Interchangeably with Task or Location Assigned Interior; Fire Attack; Ventilation; etc. Avoid using Crew 1, Crew 2, etc. Supervisor responsible for safety and accountability of his/her personnel & coordination of assignment(s)

Division / Group / Crew Given assignments from the IC, as part of the IAP, via the Staging Manager Personnel Radio designation & channel assignment Assigned task Supervisor must keep IC informed of progress and status within his/her area of responsibility Accomplishing assigned task/IAP? Communicate with Staging Manager for needed tools/equipment, not the IC

Division / Group / Crew Should follow span of control guidelines (2-5 personnel) Remain together throughout the duration of the task/assignment Return to Level 1 Staging Area upon completion of task/assignment

Command Staff At “working fire” incidents or large scale incidents of any nature, consideration must be given to assistance to the IC at the command post Formulating an appropriate Incident Action Plan Radio communications Safety Information

Safety The Safety Officer position is implemented to oversee the safety of all incident scene operations “Big Picture” view Does not relieve Division / Group / Crew supervisors & individuals of their responsibility for safety of their assigned personnel

Safety Safety Officer has the authority to immediately correct an unsafe situation Can halt, suspend, or alter an operation if imminent danger is observed Must inform the IC immediately of any such action

Information Consideration must be given to addressing the needs of the media if they arrive at the scene. Timely, accurate, and consistent information should be released to the media but not at the cost of sacrificing the IC/Command Staff’s incident command responsibilities. The IC either assigns a Public Information Officer (PIO) or conducts these interviews him/herself.

ICS Summary ICS can be applied on an as-needed basis depending upon the size & complexity of the incident Understand the entire system but only apply what is necessary Do not sacrifice established SOPs in order to “establish command” on the radio Give an accurate size-up and implement an appropriate IAP first

ICS Summary Use correct terminology Whether the incident is small or large, thorough understanding of the ICS will ensure a safer, more effective approach to incident management & participation

ICS Example

ICS Example

ICS Checklist _____ INITIATE INCIDENT COMMAND SYSTEM TACTICAL PLAN.   _____ SWITCH TO ALTERNATE (TACTICAL) RADIO CHANNEL(S). _____ CONTINUE TO MONITOR CHANNEL RED-1. _____ ESTABLISH COMMAND POST. LOCATION_______________ _____ CONDUCT PRIMARY SEARCH. REPORT RESULTS WHEN APPROPRIATE. _____ MAKE ASSIGNMENTS INCLUDING RADIO CHANNEL PER I.C.S. (SEE I.C.S. WORKSHEET 201.05) _____ ESTABLISH STAGING AREA WITH MANAGER FOR ADDITIONAL UNITS. (SEE T.P. 210.03) _____ PROVIDE "TROY FIRE" WITH PROGRESS REPORT AS NECESSARY. _____ REPORT "UNDER CONTROL" WHEN APPROPRIATE, OR: _____ CONSIDER ADDITIONAL ALARM; IF SO: _____ ACTIVATE ADDITIONAL LEVELS OF INCIDENT COMMAND SYSTEM. (SEE I.C.S. WORKSHEETS 201.05) _____ REQUEST MOBILE COMMAND VEHICLE WITH ADDITIONAL ALARM. _____ NOTIFY FIRE FIGHTERS' AUXILIARY. _____ NOTIFY 501 (MOTOR POOL) OF ADDITIONAL ALARM. _____ NOTIFY WATER DEPT. IF NECESSARY.