NIMS Incident Command System

PURPOSE:

• The Incident Command System (ICS) enables effective and efficient incident management via the integration of a combination of facilities, equipment, staff, procedures and communications operating within a common organizational structure.

• ICS is structured to facilitate activities in five (5) major functional areas:

• Command:

Sets the objectives

Devises strategies and priorities

Maintains overall responsibility for managing the incident

• Operations:

Conducts the tactical operations (i.e., patient care, clean-up) to carry out the plan; directs all needed resources

Responsible for all activities focused on reduction of the immediate hazard, saving lives and properties, establishing situational control and restoration of normal operations

• Planning:

Collects and evaluates information for Incident Command (IC) for decision support

Maintains resource status information

Prepares documentation, i.e., Incident Action Plan (IAP)

Maintains documentation for incident reports

Prepares status reports

Displays situation information

Maintains status of resources assigned to the incident

Develops and documents the IAP based on guidance from Incident Command

The IAP includes the overall incident objectives and strategies established by the IC. The IAP also addresses tactical objectives and support activities required for one (1) operational period, generally 1224 hours. The IAP also contains provisions for continuous incorporation of “lessons learned” as incident management activities progress.

• Logistics:

Provides support, resources and other essential services to meet the operational objectives set by Incident Command

Responsible for all support requirements needed to facilitate effective and efficient incident management, including ordering resources from off-incident locations

Provides facilities, transportation, supplies, equipment maintenance and fuel, food services, communication and information technology support, and emergency responder medication services, including inoculations

• Finance Administration:

Monitors cost related to the incident while providing accounting, procurement, time recording and cost analysis

• Depending on the size and on-site capabilities of the hospital and healthcare system, the size and scope of ICS will vary. Hospitals and healthcare systems should implement an ICS that allows for the provision of safe and effective patient care and continuity of hospital operations, regardless of the size of the hospital, size and type of incident, and/or limitations of resources, staff and equipment.

• Incident Command Position:

• Only position that is always activated in an incident, regardless of its nature

• Must receive formalized training; course work to be completed as outlined in the NIMS publication

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