Introduction

Incident Management Systems have been successfully used in managing available resources at emergency operations. The Incident Management System was developed as a consequence of fires that consumed large portions of wildland, including structures, in southern California in 1970. As a result of those fires, agencies saw the need to document a system which allowed them to work together toward a common goal in an effective and efficient manner.

Incident Management Systems are concepts that have been given considerable attention within the fire service. Many fire department personnel believe they have a command system, when what they have is a departmental chain of command.

Incident Management Systems are designed to be used in response to emergencies caused by fires, flood, earthquakes, tornadoes, hurricanes, tidal waves, riots, hazardous materials, or other natural or human-caused incidents. It is designed to begin developing from the time an incident occurs until the requirement for management and operations no longer exists. The system can be utilized for any type or size of emergency, ranging from a minor incident involving a single unit, to a major emergency involving several agencies.

The system consists of procedures for controlling personnel, facilities, equipment, and communication. Incident management systems allow for agencies to communicate using terminology and operating procedures.

Prior to developing an Incident Management System for your department, do a size-up of your community.

1. Determine what potential types of incidents your department could become involved in.

2. How big an incident could you become involved in.

3. After doing this consider what resources you have available.

There is a large misconception that an Incident Management System is not necessary for small incidents and that Incident Management is only necessary for the "BIG ONE." This is not only wrong but potentially dangerous for you and all members of your department. One of the main benefits of a properly designed and instituted Incident Management System is fireground safety and firefighter accountability. No one should be operating in any type of hazardous environment or situation unless a system of accountability and overall safety has been instituted. The officer in charge or in reality the Incident Commander has this responsibility and it is probably the most important responsibility at any situation, regardless of size.

Your Incident Management System should be designed to go into effect at all situations you respond to. It should clearly indicate how and where command will be established and transferred, the responsibilities of command, and how command will break down and delegate job responsibilities based on the size and type of incident.

Incident Commanders cannot be interior firefighters or involved rescuers. Incident Commanders and any related command functions must be carried out separate from actual hands-on involvement in the operation. If this policy is not followed then all the personnel working at the incident are put in jeopardy.

The following information explains and outlines the main components of an Incident Management System and typical functions of each position. This is provided as information for you to use as you work at developing your own Incident Management System. How elaborate and detailed you make your system is up to you. What is important is that you have a system in written form and all the members of your fire department are aware of it.

Incident Management is necessary at all incidents.

Components of the Incident Management System that need to be addressed:

These components working together interactively provide the basis for an effective incident management system concept of operation.

Common Terminology

Modular Organization

Integrated Communication

Unified Command Structure

Consolidated Action Plans

Manageable Span of Control

Designated Incident Facilities

Comprehensive Resource Management

Command

Operations

Planning

Logistics

Finance