The Incident Command System December 2010 Alberta Industrial Fire Protection Association

Session Objectives An introduction to and overview of ICS  What is it? Principles and key elements of ICS Fit-for-purpose training  what you need to know and why

What is ICS? “ICS is a standardized incident management system specifically designed to allow users to adopt and integrate an organization structure equal to the complexity and demands of single or multiple incidents, without being hindered by jurisdictional boundaries.”

ICS is… A management system  Designed for emergencies A logical methodology  Based on simple business principles A flexible system that works  In use for 30 years  Can resolve 1/3 of recurring issues in major incidents

Why Choose to Use An Incident Management System? Due diligence & forseeability Court expectation of an identifiable, quantifiable standard  General expectation of “managing” emergencies with a “management” system  Require solid justification for any variances Just makes good business sense!

Why Use ICS as your IMS? Prevents freelancing Structures the response Promotes responder safety Coordinates multiple agencies More efficient use of resources Conformity to laws and standards Ensures one person is always in charge Provides mgmt. control from start of incident

Five Primary Management Functions

14 Principles of ICS 1. Common Terminology 2. Modular Organization 3. Management by Objectives 4. Reliance on an Incident Action Plan 5. Manageable Span of Control 6. Pre-designated Incident Locations and Facilities 7. Comprehensive Resource Management 8. Integrated Communications 9. Establishment and Transfer of Command 10. Chain & Unity of Command 11. Unified Command 12. Accountability 13. Deployment 14. Information & Intelligence Management

Two Ways to Organize Incident Command Unified Command Single Command

Unified Command “Unified Command is the process of allowing multiple agencies that have both jurisdiction and response personnel to establish a common set of incident objectives and strategies at the command level; without losing authority, responsibility or accountability.”

Unified Command Characteristics One Incident Command Post/EOC Consensus on one set of incident objectives and strategies One Incident Action Plan Jointly-appointed Operations Sec. Chief

Advantages of Using Unified Command One set of objectives is developed for the entire incident, and a collective approach is made to developing strategies. Information flow and coordination is improved between all jurisdictions and agencies involved in the incident. No agency’s authority or legal requirements will be compromised or neglected.

Advantages of Using Unified Command (cont’d) Each agency is fully aware of the plans, actions, and constraints of all others. The combined efforts of all agencies is optimized as they perform their respective assignments under a single Incident Action Plan. Duplicative efforts are reduced or eliminated, thus reducing cost and chances for frustration and conflict.

Implementation Rewards Solid, consolidated & clear command Objectives are identified and achieved Accountability of individuals & resources A tangible, flexible management system

Implementation Rewards (Cont’d.) Use of the same system used by the rest of the company, other companies, and response agencies Familiarity with a system that can be used on smallest to largest incidents Resilience to legal challenges

Consequences for Not Implementing Legal implications Problematic debriefings Re-learning lessons learned Ineffective or inefficient responses Protracted responses and increased costs

New materials for 2011 I-100 Introduction to Incident Command System

Questions?