ICS Revisited (RB406-409)

The Incident Command System (ICS) is a process or system to facilitate the response to an emergency DURING AN INCIDENT. It is NOT intended for use as a day-to-day organizational structure since its very format is based on the life of the "incident". Many government agencies already use the ICS. It becomes mandatory in certain conditions in California by 1996, so ACS units must learn the ICS. It is based on eight management concepts:

1. Common terminology
   
2. Modular organization
   
3. Unified command structure
   
4. Manageable span of control
   
5. Pre-designated incident facilities
   
6. Consolidated action plans
   
7. Comprehensive resource management
   
8. Integrated communications.
   

These concepts are accommodated in the four major sections of an ICS organization:

1. Operations (under an "Operations Chief")
   
2. Planning (under a "Planning Chief")
   
3. Finance (under an "Finance Chief")
   
4. Logistics (under a "Logistics Chief")
   

These branch "chiefs", along with the Incident Commander, make up the 'general staff'.

[Note: "Incident" is the same as a "mission" of the CAP. A CAP search is an incident. A CAP Mission Coordinator equates to an Incident Commander. Actually the ICS has always been used on CAP missions.] 

The ICS is designed to provide common and effective procedures to diverse agencies who must work together under crisis situations. MACS, the Multi-Agency Coordination System, as an extension of the ICS, streamlines procedures for coordinating mutual aid and allocating resources during emergencies where more than one agency or jurisdiction is involved in the response.

The ICS is incorporated into the new Standardized Emergency Management System, SEMS, being implemented in California pursuant to legislation that followed the Oakland fire storm. It's local application may differ from a typical fire-camp use (where full support is brought into the IC camp) due to the nature of the action required.

ICS span of control is usually not more than six people. An individuals day-to day rank or positon does not necessarily relate to the ICS organization. The skills and telents required for the temporary ICS organization come from everywhere. Following demobilization, everyone reverts to their regular job, job description and rank.

Responder familiarity with the ICS is critical before its use is required. It is well proven that people resort to comfort levels in times of high stress. To assure that comfort level BEFORE the event familiarization and training are required. In reality, that is the chief purpose of any familiarization program; to set new levels of 'comfort'.

In summary, the Incident Command System (ICS) is a combination of facilities, equipment, personnel, procedures and communications operating within a common organizational structure with responsibility for the management of assigned resources to effectively accomplish the stated objective pertaining to an incident.

In essence "An ICS organization requires major cultural changes for some people" in the words of Capt. Brad Thiss of the Phoenix Police Dept.

[From the "NetControl" newsletter of Orange County RACES - a review of RACES response to a search for a lost Boy Scout.] 

"The incident taught all participants many valuable lessons. We should incorporate:

1. When ICS is used, a communications officer should be appointed at the start of the operation.
2. Communications plans for a variety of conditions should be established. These should include possibility that field positions will need communications with agencies operating on different frequencies not compatible with normal communications.
3. Heavy traffic load requires additional frequencies.
4. ICS operating procedures should include provisions for briefing radio operators on their assignments and how it relates to others involved in the operation.
5. To understand content and flow of messages operators need briefing on:
   • ICS chain of command and position assignments for both operations and communications management and other key personnel so messages can be passed as quickly as possible.
   • Tactical call signs and other designators for personnel or teams in areas likely to receive message traffic.
   • Tactical call of station they are to operate.
   • Complete communications plan, including primary and secondary frequencies.
   • Operating schedule of their station, check-in times expected of field personnel and names and positions of field personnel they will be working with (if available).
   • Overall mission objective, or sub-objective applicable to the station the communicator is operating.
   • Geographic area of the operation; map available at the station similar to that used in the field or the EOC for which there are likely to be given locations or coordinates relative to injuries, emergencies or messages.
6. Unit participants should be surveyed to determine specific physical and operating capabilities and limitations. Principal classes include:
   • self contained, portable units capable of light backpacking. This group would include those suitable for acting as "shadows" for officials.
   • capable of operating portable or mobile, normally better equipped for staying with a vehicle or camping, without being subject to strenuous physical conditions.
   • can operate in a fixed-station, non strenuous assignment, and may be limited by age or other physical factors."

End of 4 part series on the Incident Command System, ICS.