REVISIONS DATE: OCTOBER 8, 2014 RESPONSIBILITY: ALL DEPARTMENT EMPLOYEES PURPOSE The Cllier Cunty EMS / Fire Department respnds t a wide range f emergency incidents. In rder t effectively manage persnnel and resurces and t prvide fr the safety and welfare f persnnel, we will always perate within the Incident Cmmand System at the incident scene. This prcedure identifies the Standard Operating Guidelines t be emplyed in establishing Cmmand and all the cmpnents f the Incident Cmmand System and is in cmpliance with Hmeland Security Presidential Directive (HSPD)-5 The Cllier Cunty Cmprehensive Emergency Management Plan (CEMP) and adptin f NIMS. COMMAND PROCEDURES Identify the respnsibility f Cmmand n a certain individual thrugh a standard identificatin system, depending n the arrival sequence f members, cmpanies, and Cmmand fficers. Ensure that a strng, direct, and visible Cmmand will be established frm the nset f the incident. Establish an effective incident rganizatin defining the activities and respnsibilities assigned t the incident cmmander and the ther individuals perating within the Incident Cmmand System. Prvide a system t prcess infrmatin t supprt incident management, planning, and decisin making. Prvide a system fr the rderly transfer f Cmmand t subsequent arriving fficers. RESPONSIBILITIES OF COMMAND The Incident Cmmander is respnsible fr the cmpletin f the tactical bjectives. The tactical bjectives (listed in rder f pririty) are: A. Prvide fr the safety, accuntability, and welfare f persnnel. This pririty is nging thrughut the incident. B. Remve endangered ccupants and treat the injured. C. Stabilize the incident and prvide fr life safety. D. Cnserve prperty. The Incident Cmmand System is used t facilitate the cmpletin f the tactical bjectives. The Incident Cmmander is the persn wh drives the Cmmand system twards that end. The Incident Cmmander is respnsible fr building a Cmmand structure that matches the rganizatinal needs f the incident t achieve the cmpletin f the tactical bjectives fr the incident. The functins f Cmmand defines standard activities that are perfrmed by the Incident Cmmander t achieve the tactical bjectives. Page 1f 26
FUNCTIONS OF COMMAND The functins f Cmmand include: 1. Assume and annunce Cmmand and establish an effective perating psitin (Incident Cmmand Pst). 2. Rapidly evaluate the situatin (size-up). 3. Initiate, maintain, and cntrl the cmmunicatins prcess. 4. Identify the verall strategy, develp an incident actin plan, and assign cmpanies and persnnel cnsistent with plans and standard perating prcedures. 5. Develp an effective Incident Cmmand rganizatin. 6. Review, evaluate, and revise (as needed) the Incident Actin plan. 7. Prvide fr the cntinuity, transfer, and terminatin f Cmmand. The incident cmmander is respnsible fr all f these functins. As Cmmand is transferred, s is the respnsibility fr these functins. The first five (5) functins must be addressed immediately frm the initial assumptin f Cmmand. ESTABLISHING COMMAND Aside frm medical incidents withut a need fr pssible rescue r extricatin, the first unit t arrive at the scene shall establish Cmmand f the incident. By establishing cmmand he/she shall assume cmmand f the incident. The initial incident cmmander shall remain in Cmmand until Cmmand is transferred r the incident is stabilized and Cmmand is terminated. A single-cmpany respnse that is nt ging t escalate beynd the cmmitment f this cmpany des nt require a frmal activatin f the Incident Cmmand System (as n-scene reprt with the assumptin f Cmmand). The first arriving unit r fficer will, hwever, remain respnsible fr any needed Cmmand functins. The Radi Reprt shall be annunced n the designated Cntrl Channel and must include: A. Unit designatin f the unit arriving n the scene. B. A brief descriptin f the incident situatin, (i.e. building size, ccupancy, Hazmat release, multi-vehicle accident, etc.) C. Obvius cnditins (wrking fire, Hazmat spill, multiple patients, etc.). D. Brief descriptin f actin taken. E. Declaratin f Strategy (Offensive, Defensive, Investigatin mde). F. Any bvius safety cncerns. G. Assumptin and identificatin f Cmmand. H. Assume & Annunce accuntability lcatin. Page 2 f 26
Example: Fr an ffensive structure fire - "Engine 40 is n the scene f a large tw stry hme with a wrking fire n the secnd flr. Engine 40 is laying a supply line and ging in with a hand line t the secnd flr fr search and rescue. This is an ffensive fire attack. Engine 40 will be 7th Street Cmmand." Fr an defensive fire - "Engine 20 is n the scene f a medium size warehuse fully invlved with expsures t the east. Engine 20 is laying a supply line and attacking the fire with a deck gun and a hand line t the expsure fr search and rescue and fire attack. This is a defensive fire. Engine 20 will be Shaw Blvd Cmmand. Fr a medical incident with pssible rescue r extricatin - "Medic Rescue 22 is n the scene with a multi-vehicle accident with multiple patients. Give me an additinal engine and medic unit. Medic Rescue 22 will be Bayshre Cmmand." RADIO DESIGNATION The radi designatin "Cmmand" will be used alng with the gegraphical lcatin f the incident (i.e. "7th Street Cmmand", "Publix Cmmand"). This designatin will nt change thrughut the duratin f the incident. The designatin f "Cmmand" will remain with the fficer currently in Cmmand f the incident thrughut the event. Cllier Cunty has streets that travel thrugh multiple districts (I-75, Cllier Blvd, etc.); therefre, it becmes imprtant that sme infrmatin is added t the Cmmand name. Infrmatin, such as mile marker, crss street, majr intersecting street, and / r cmmunities will be used. (101 mm Cmmand, Pine Ridge/ Cllier Blvd Cmmand, Indig Lakes Cmmand etc) COMMAND OPTIONS The respnsibility f the first arriving unit r member t assume Cmmand f the incident presents several ptins, depending n the situatin. If a chief fficer, member, r unit withut tactical capabilities (i.e. staff vehicle, n equipment, etc.) initiates Cmmand, the establishment f a Cmmand Pst shuld be a tp pririty. At mst incidents the initial incident cmmander will be the cmpany fficer. The fllwing Cmmand ptins define the Page 3 f 26
cmpany fficer's direct invlvement in tactical activities and the mdes f Cmmand that may be utilized. 1. Nthing Shwing--Investigative Mde: These situatins generally require investigatin by the initial arriving cmpany while ther units remain in level ne staging. The fficer shuld g with the cmpany t investigate while utilizing a prtable radi t Cmmand the incident. 2. Fast Attack--Mbile Cmmand Mde: Fast Attack situatins require immediate actin t stabilize the incident by way f the cmpany fficer's assistance and direct invlvement in the attack. In these situatins the cmpany fficer ges with the crew t prvide the apprpriate level f supervisin. Examples f these situatins include: Offensive fire attacks (especially in marginal situatins). Critical life safety situatins (i.e. rescue) must be achieved in a cmpressed time. Any incident where the safety and welfare f firefighters is a majr cncern. Obvius wrking incidents that require further investigatin by the cmpany fficer. Where fast interventin is critical, utilizatin f the prtable radi will permit the cmpany fficer's invlvement in the attack withut neglecting Cmmand respnsibilities. The Fast-Attack-Mbile Cmmand mde shuld nt last mre than a few minutes and will end with ne f the fllwing: A. Situatin is stabilized. B. Situatin is nt stabilized and the cmpany fficer must withdraw t the exterir and establish a Cmmand Pst. At sme time the cmpany fficer must decide whether r nt t withdraw the remainder f the crew, based n the crew's capabilities, size, experience, safety issues, and the ability t cmmunicate with the crew. N crew shuld remain in a hazardus area withut radi cmmunicatin capabilities. C. Cmmand is transferred t anther cmpany r Cmmand Officer. When a Cmmand Officer is assuming Cmmand, the Cmmand fficer may pt t return the Cmpany Officer t his/her crew, utilize the Cmpany Officer as staff supprt, r assign him/her as a Divisin Officer. 3. Cmmand Mde--Statinary Cmmand Pst Certain incidents, by virtue f their size, cmplexity, r ptential fr rapid expansin, require immediate strng, direct, verall Cmmand. In such cases, the Cmpany Officer Page 4 f 26
will initially assume an exterir, safe, and effective Cmmand psitin and maintain that psitin until relieved by a Chief Officer. The tactical wrksheet and / r apprpriate ICS frm (Appendix 1) shall be initiated and utilized t assist in managing these types f incidents. If the cmpany fficer assumes a Cmmand mde, the fllwing ptins are available with regards t the assignment f the remaining crewmembers. A. The fficer may "mve up" within the cmpany and place the cmpany int actin with tw r three members. One f the crewmembers will serve as the acting cmpany fficer and must be prvided with a prtable radi. The cllective and individual capabilities and experience f the crew will regulate this actin. B. The fficer may assign the crew members t wrk under the supervisin f anther cmpany fficer. In such cases, the fficer assuming Cmmand must cmmunicate with the fficer f the ther cmpany and indicate the assignment f thse persnnel. C. The fficer may elect t assign the crew members t perfrm staff functins t assist Cmmand, such as infrmatin recnnaissance, filling ut the tactical wrksheet, etc. A cmpany fficer assuming Cmmand has a chice f mdes and degrees f persnal invlvement in the tactical activities, but cntinues t be fully respnsible fr the Cmmand functins. The initiative and judgment f the fficer are f great imprtance. The mdes identified are guidelines t assist the fficer in planning apprpriate actins. The actins initiated shuld cnfrm t ne f the abve-mentined mdes f peratin. TRANSFER OF COMMAND Cmmand is transferred t imprve the quality f the Cmmand rganizatin. When Cmmand is transferred it shuld trigger upgrades in the Cmmand structure. The fllwing guidelines utline the transfer f Cmmand. A. The first arriving unit n the scene shall establish cmmand that autmatically assigns Cmmand t that unit. B. The first arriving cmpany fficer will assume Cmmand after the transfer f Cmmand prcedures has been cmpleted (assuming an equal r higher ranking fficer has nt already assumed Cmmand). C. The first arriving Cmmand fficer shuld assume Cmmand f the incident fllwing transfer f Cmmand prcedures. D. The secnd arriving Cmmand fficer shuld reprt t the Cmmand Pst, t assume the Assistant t the IC psitin. E. Assumptin f Cmmand is discretinary fr the Deputy Chief, Assistant Chiefs and the Fire Chief. Page 5 f 26
In certain situatins, it may be advantageus fr the first arriving incident cmmander (i.e. cmpany fficer) t transfer Cmmand t the next Cmpany ON THE SCENE. This is indicated when the initial cmmitment f the first arriving Cmpany requires a full crew (i.e., high-rise r an immediate rescue situatin) and anther Cmpany r Cmmand Officer is n the scene. When a Chief Officer arrives at the scene at the same time as the initial arriving Cmpany, the Chief Officer shuld assume Cmmand f the incident. "Passing Cmmand" t a unit that is nt n the scene creates a gap in the Cmmand prcess and cmprmises incident management. T prevent this "gap", Cmmand SHALL NOT BE TRANSFERRED TO AN OFFICER WHO IS NOT ON THE SCENE. It is preferable t have the initial arriving cmpany fficer cntinue t perate in the Fast-Attack mde until Cmmand can be transferred t an arriving n-scene unit. Shuld a situatin ccur where a later arriving Cmpany r Cmmand fficer cannt lcate r cmmunicate with Cmmand (after several radi attempts), they will assume and annunce their assumptin f Cmmand and initiate whatever actins are necessary t cnfirm the safety f the missing crew Within the Chain f Cmmand, the actual Transfer f Cmmand will be regulated by the fllwing prcedure: A. The fficer assuming Cmmand will cmmunicate with the persn being relieved by radi r face-t-face. Face-t-face is the preferred methd t transfer Cmmand. B. The persn being relieved will brief the fficer assuming Cmmand indicating at least the fllwing: 1. General situatin status: a. Incident cnditins (fire lcatin and extent, Hazmat spill r release, number f patients, etc.) b. Incident Management Plan. c. Cmpletin f the tactical bjectives. d. Safety cnsideratins. 2. Deplyment and assignments f perating cmpanies and accuntability f persnnel. 3. Appraisals f need fr additinal resurces. C. The persn being relieved f Cmmand shuld review the tactical wrksheet with the fficer assuming Cmmand. This sheet prvides the mst effective framewrk fr Cmmand transfer as it utlines the lcatin and status f persnnel and resurces in a standard frm that shuld be well knwn t all members. The arrival f a ranking fficer n the incident scene des nt mean that Cmmand has been autmatically transferred t that fficer. Cmmand is nly transferred when the utlined transfer f Cmmand prcess has been cmpleted. Page 6 f 26
The fficer assuming Cmmand will assign the persn being relieved f Cmmand t the best advantage. A ranking fficer may elect t have a subrdinate cntinue the rle f incident cmmander. In cases where an individual is effectively Cmmanding an incident, and satisfactry prgress is being made t bring the incident under cntrl. It may be desirable fr that persn t cntinue in an active Cmmand rle. The ranking fficer must determine that the incident cmmander is cmpletely aware f the psitin and functin f perating cmpanies and the general status f the situatin. In these cases, the arriving ranking fficer may assume a supprtive rle in the verall Cmmand functins. The ranking fficer will assume respnsibility fr the incident by virtue f being invlved in the Cmmand prcess. REMARKS ON COMMAND The respnse and arrival f additinal ranking fficers n the incident scene strengthens the verall Cmmand functin. As the incident escalates, the Incident Cmmander shuld use these Cmmand Officers t fill the Incident Cmmand Team psitins, Divisins, Grups, Branch, and Safety psitins, strengthening the Cmmand structure. Additinal fficers shuld be assigned t Accuntability Officer psitin as needed. When the first arriving unit is a Cmmand Officer, effrts shuld be autmatically directed twards establishing a Cmmand Pst and fulfilling the Cmmand functins. An Incident Cmmand Pst in a vehicle equipped fr this purpse is a pririty at all wrking incidents. A vehicle that prvides apprpriate wrkspace fr the Incident Cmmander and staff persnnel, lighting, cmmunicatins equipment, supplies reference items, and sme islatin frm utside distractins will make Cmmand mre effective. Cmpany and Cmmand fficers shuld eliminate all unnecessary radi traffic while respnding, unless such cmmunicatins are required t ensure that Cmmand functins are initiated and cmpleted. This requires the initial Incident Cmmander t give a clear n-thescene reprt and cntinue t give updated prgress reprts as needed. Chief Officers and staff persnnel shuld reprt directly t the Cmmand Pst t ntify the incident cmmander f their availability t assume incident duties. These persnnel shuld park their vehicles in a lcatin that des nt restrict access t the scene and reprt t the Cmmand Pst fr assignment. The Incident Cmmander is respnsible fr managing the incident. The fire department empwers that individual (the incident cmmander) with the authrity t turn his/her decisins int actins (frmulate a plan and assign cmpanies). Simply stated, the Incident Cmmander utranks everybdy. If a higher-ranking fficer wants t affect a change in the management f an incident, he/she must first be n the scene f the incident, and then utilize the transfer f Cmmand prcedure. Page 7 f 26
Anyne can effect a change in incident management in extreme situatins relating t safety by ntifying Cmmand and initiating crrective actin. COMMAND STRUCTURE It is the respnsibility f Cmmand t develp an rganizatinal structure, using standard perating prcedures, t effectively manage the incident scene. The develpment f the rganizatinal structure shuld begin with deplyment f the first arriving unit and cntinue thrugh a number f phases, depending n the size and cmplexity f the incident. The Cmmand rganizatin must develp at a pace, which stays ahead f the tactical deplyment f persnnel and resurces. In rder fr the incident cmmander t manage the incident, he/she must first be able t direct, cntrl, and track the psitin and functin f all perating Cmpanies. Building a Cmmand rganizatin is the best supprt mechanism the Incident Cmmander can utilize t achieve the harmnius balance between managing persnnel and incident needs. Simply put, this means: Large scale and cmplex incidents = Big Cmmand rganizatin. Small scale and "simple" incidents = Little Cmmand rganizatin. The Incident Cmmander shuld have mre peple wrking than Cmmanding. The basic cnfiguratin f Cmmand includes three levels: 1. Strategic Level - Overall directin f the incident. 2. Tactical Level - Objectives assigned t Divisins / Grups. 3. Task Level - Task bjectives assigned t Cmpanies. 1. The Strategic Level invlves the verall Cmmand f the incident. The Cmmand team is respnsible fr the strategic level f the Cmmand structure. The Strategic Plan defines where and when resurces will be assigned t the incident and cntrl the situatin. This plan is the basis fr develping a Cmmand rganizatin, assigning all resurces and establishing tactical bjectives by pririty. The Strategic Level respnsibilities include: Determining the apprpriate strategy: OFFENSIVE OR DEFENSIVE Establishing an Incident Actin plan fr the incident. Evaluate safety cncerns, plan accrdingly Setting pririties. Obtaining and allcating resurces. Predicting utcmes and planning. Assigning specific bjectives t tactical level units. Page 8 f 26
2. The Tactical Level directs activities tward specific bjectives. Tactical Level fficers include Divisin fficers, wh are in charge f gruped resurces. Tactical Level fficers (Divisin fficers) are respnsible fr specific gegraphic areas r functins, and supervising persnnel assigned t the Divisin. A Divisin assignment cmes with the authrity t make decisins and assignments, within the bundaries f the verall plan and safety cnditins. The accumulated achievements f tactical bjectives shuld accmplish the Strategic Level gals. 3. The Task Level refers t thse activities nrmally accmplished by individual cmpanies r specific persnnel. The task level is where the wrk is actually dne. Task level activities are rutinely supervised by cmpany fficers. The accumulated achievements f Task Level activities shuld accmplish tactical bjectives. TEAM The incident scene is ften a dynamic, intense, and exciting place. As the incident grws int and past the requirements f a first alarm assignment, the incident cmmander can becme verladed and verwhelmed with infrmatin management, assigning Cmpanies, filling ut and updating the tactical wrksheet, planning, frecasting, calling fr additinal resurces, talking n the radi, and fulfilling all the ther functins f Cmmand. The immediate need f Cmmand at this pint in the incident is supprt. At a minimum, the Incident Cmmand Team is cmprised f the fllwing: Incident Cmmander Incident Cmmander Assistant t the IC Deputy IC The Incident Cmmander is the individual respnsible fr all incident activities, including the develpment f strategies, tactics and the rdering and the release f resurces. The IC has verall authrity and respnsibility fr cnducting incident peratins and is respnsible fr the management f all incident peratins at the incident site. Assistant t IC The Incident Cmmander shuld utilize the next arriving Cmmand Officer as an Assistant. The nly reasn t assign the secnd Cmmand fficer t a Divisin is if safety is an extreme in that Divisin. In that case, anther arriving Cmmand Officer will be assigned the Assistant IC psitin. Deputy IC The Deputy IC shuld be assigned by the IC at large scale incidents as part f the Incident Cmmand Team. A fully qualified individual wh, in the absence f a superir, can be delegated the authrity t manage a functinal peratin r perfrm a specific task. In sme cases, a deputy can act as relief fr a superir and, therefre, must be fully qualified in the Page 9 f 26
psitin. Deputies can be assigned t the Incident Cmmander, General Staff, and Branch Directrs. Rle and Respnsibilities f the Incident Cmmand Team: Define, evaluate and mdify the IAP Prvide directin relating t tactical pririties, specific critical fire grund factrs, and safety. Evaluate the need fr additinal resurces. Develp an effective incident Cmmand Organizatin Evaluate the fire grund rganizatin and span f cntrl. Assist with the tactical wrksheet fr cntrl and accuntability. Prvide n-ging review f the verall incident (THE BIG PICTURE). Review the rganizatinal structure, initiate change r expansin t meet incident needs. Initiate Sectin and Branch functins as required. Prvide a liaisn with ther city agencies and fficials, utside agencies, prperty wners and/r tenants. In rder t maintain cntinuity and verall effectiveness, all members f the Incident Cmmand Team must be in the Cmmand Pst with the Incident cmmander. When the Cmmand Team is supprting "Cmmand" in the Cmmand Pst they are wrking as a team t enhance the Cmmand prcess and make the functins f Cmmand mre effective. The fficer assigned t cmmunicate directly t Cmpanies, Divisins, r Branches will use the radi designatin "Cmmand", and shuld be the nly member f the Cmmand team talking n the tactical radi channel. DIVISION OFFICERS Cmplex emergency situatins ften exceed the capability f ne fficer t effectively manage the entire peratin. The Incident Cmmander shuld grup cmpanies t wrk in divisins. Divisins reduce the span f cntrl t mre manageable smaller sized units. Divisins allw the Incident Cmmander t cmmunicate principally with Divisin fficers, rather than multiple, individual cmpany fficers, thus prviding an effective Cmmand structure and incident scene rganizatin. The IC may assign additinal radi channels as needed. (800mhz ICS system) Generally, divisin respnsibilities shuld be assigned early in the incident, typically t the first cmpany assigned t a gegraphic area (Nrth Divisin) r functin (Rf Divisin). This early establishment f divisins prvides an effective Incident Cmmand rganizatin framewrk n which the peratin can be built and expanded. As divisins are implemented, Cmmand cntinues t perate at the strategic level, determining the verall strategy t deal with the incident. Page 10 f 26
COMMAND STRUCTURE - Divisins, Basic Operatinal Apprach As peratins expand in cmplexity and size, and as additinal Chief Officers becme available, the incident cmmander shuld assign them t relieve cmpany fficers and assume divisin respnsibilities. The use f divisins in the Cmmand rganizatin prvides a standard system t divide the incident scene int smaller subrdinate Cmmand units r areas. The number f divisins that can be effectively managed by the incident cmmander varies. In fast mving cmplex peratins, a span f cntrl f n mre than five divisins is indicated. In slwer mving less cmplex peratins, the Incident Cmmander may effectively manage mre divisins. Where the number f divisins exceeds the span f cntrl that the Incident Cmmander can effectively manage, the Incident Organizatin shuld be divided t Branches. Each Branch is respnsible fr several divisins and shuld be assigned a separate radi channel. Divisin prcedures als prvide an array f majr functins, which may be selectively implemented accrding t the needs f a particular situatin. This places respnsibility fr the details and executin f each particular functin n a Divisin Officer. When effective divisins have been established, the incident cmmander can cncentrate n verall strategy and resurce allcatin, allwing the Divisin fficers t manage their assigned units. The Incident Cmmander determines strategic gals and assigns tactical bjectives and resurces t the divisins. Each Divisin fficer is respnsible fr the tactical deplyment and accuntability f the resurces at his/her dispsal in rder t cmplete the tactical bjectives assigned by the Incident Cmmander. Divisin Officers are als respnsible fr cmmunicating needs and prgress t Cmmand. Divisins reduce the verall amunt f radi cmmunicatins. Mst rutine cmmunicatins within a divisin shuld be cnducted in a face-t-face manner between Cmpany Officers and their Divisin Officer. This prcess reduces unnecessary radi traffic and increases ability t transmit critical radi cmmunicatins. The safety f fire fighting persnnel represents the majr reasn fr establishing divisins. Each Divisin Officer must maintain cmmunicatin with assigned cmpanies t cntrl bth their psitin and functin. The Divisin Officer must cnstantly mnitr all hazardus situatins and risks t persnnel. The Divisin Officer must take apprpriate actin t ensure that cmpanies are perating in a safe and effective manner. Page 11 f 26
Cmmand Shuld Begin t Assign Divisins Based n the Fllwing Factrs: Situatins which will eventually invlve a number f cmpanies r functins, beynd the capability f Cmmand t directly cntrl. Cmmand shuld initially assign divisin respnsibilities t the first cmpanies assigned t a gegraphic area r functin until Chief Officers are available. When Cmmand can n lnger effectively cpe with (r manage) the number f cmpanies currently invlved in the peratin. When cmpanies are invlved in cmplex peratins (Large interir r gegraphic area, hazardus materials, technical rescues, etc.) When cmpanies are perating frm tactical psitins which Cmmand has little r n direct cntrl ver (i.e. ut f sight). When the situatin presents specials hazards and clse cntrl is required ver perating cmpanies (i.e., unstable structural cnditins, hazardus materials, heavy fire lad, marginal ffensive situatins, etc.). When establishing a divisin, the Incident Cmmander will assign each Divisin Officer: A. Tactical bjectives. B. A radi designatin (Rf Divisin, Divisin A, Suth Divisin, etc.) C. The identity f resurces assigned t the Divisin. Divisins Will Be Regulated By The Fllwing Guidelines: It will be the n-ging respnsibility f Cmmand t assign divisins as required fr effective emergency peratins; this assignment will relate t bth gegraphic and functinal divisins. Cmmand shall advise each Divisin Officer f specific tactical bjectives. The verall strategy and plan will and shuld be als prvided (time permitting), s the Divisin Officer has sme idea f what's ging n and hw his assignment fits in. The number f cmpanies assigned t a divisin will depend upn cnditins within that divisin. Cmmand will maintain an awareness f the number f Cmpanies perating within a divisin and the capability f that Divisin Officer t effectively direct peratins. If a Divisin Officer cannt cntrl the resurces within the divisin, he/she shuld ntify the Incident Cmmander s that divisin respnsibilities can be split r ther crrective actin taken. In mst cases five (5) cmpanies represents the maximum span f cntrl fr a Divisin Officer. Divisins assigned t specific perating areas will be designated by Divisin A, B, C, r D directins Divisin "A" wuld be the frnt f the building and the ther divisins wuld g clckwise arund the building in alphabetical rder unless therwise identified by Cmmand. In multi-stry ccupancies, divisins will usually be indicated by flr numbers (Divisin 15 indicates 15th flr). In sme cases the Page 12 f 26
flr divisin identificatin may be subdivided int gegraphic areas such as "Divisin 15 East" r "Divisin 15 West" depending n stairwell and flr access. Where incident invlve dd gegraphic perating areas Divisins will be designated by directins (East Divisin, Nrth Divisin, etc.).. Grups will be identified by the functin assigned (Lss Cntrl Grup, Vent grup, search grup) Divisin fficers will use the divisin designatin in radi cmmunicatins (i.e. "Cmmand t Divisin A"). Divisin Officers are designated by Cmmand. In many cases, the initial divisin respnsibility will be given t the Cmpany Officer that receives the initial assignment t a basic tactical psitin r functin (nrth, treatment, rf, etc.) Cmmand will assign a Cmmand Officer t assume divisin respnsibilities as sn as pssible. Regular Transfer f Cmmand prcedures will be fllwed in transferring divisin respnsibility. In sme cases, a Divisin Officer may be assigned t an area/functin initially t evaluate and reprt cnditins and advise Cmmand f needed tasks and resurces. The assigned fficer will prceed t the divisin, evaluate and reprt cnditins t the incident cmmander, and assume respnsibility fr directing resurces and peratins within his/her assigned area f respnsibility. The Divisin Officer must be in a psitin t directly supervise and mnitr peratins. This will require the Divisin Officer t be equipped with the apprpriate prtective clthing and equipment fr his/her area f respnsibility. An assistant may accmpany a Divisin Officers assigned t perate within the hazard zne. Divisin Officers will be respnsible fr and in cntrl f all assigned functins within their divisin. This requires each Divisin Officer t: A. Cmplete bjectives assigned by Cmmand. B. Accunt fr all assigned persnnel (accuntability). C. Ensure that peratins are cnducted safely. D. Mnitr wrk prgress. E. Redirect activities as necessary. F. Crdinate actins with related activities, and adjacent divisins. G. Mnitr welfare f divisin persnnel. H. Request additinal resurces as needed. Page 13 f 26
I. Prvide Cmmand with essential and frequent prgress reprts. J. Re-allcate resurces within the divisin. The Divisin Officer shuld be readily identifiable and maintain a visible psitin as much as pssible. The primary functin f Cmpany Officer wrking within a divisin is t direct the peratins f their individual crews in perfrming assigned task. Cmpany Officers will advise their Divisin Officer f wrk prgress, preferably face-t-face. All request fr additinal resurces r assistance within a divisin must be directed t the Divisin Officer. Divisin Officers will cmmunicate with "Cmmand". Each Divisin fficer will keep Cmmand infrmed f cnditins and prgress in the divisin thrugh regular prgress reprts. The Divisin fficer must priritize prgress reprts t essential infrmatin nly. Cmmand must be advised immediately f significant changes, particularly thse invlving the ability r inability t cmplete an bjective, hazardus cnditins, accidents, structural cllapse, etc. When a cmpany is assigned frm Staging t an Operating Divisin, the cmpany will be tld what divisin and which Divisin Officer they will be reprting t and the perating tach channel fr that divisin. The Divisin Officer will be infrmed f which particular cmpanies r units have been assigned by the Incident Cmmander. It is then the respnsibility f the Divisin Officer t cntact the assigned cmpany t transmit any instructins relative t the specific actin requested. The assigned cmpany will prvide their Accuntability Passprt t the Divisin Officer. Divisin Officers will mnitr the cnditin f the crews perating in their divisin. Relief crews will be requested in a manner t safeguard the safety f persnnel and maintain prgress tward the divisin bjectives. Divisin Officers will insure an rderly and thrugh reassignment f crews t rehab divisin. Crews must reprt t rehab intact t facilitate accuntability. The Divisin Officer will ntify Cmmand f crews reprting t rehab. COMMAND STRUCTURE - Expanding the Organizatin; Branch fficers As the incident rganizatin grws in cmplexity, and the span f cntrl with divisins is maximized, the Incident Cmmander may implement an additinal intermediate level within the Cmmand Organizatin. The Branch level f the rganizatin is designed t prvide COORDINATION between the Divisins and Cmmand. Branch Officers supervise and manage a number f Divisin Officers, and reprt t the Incident Cmmander. Page 14 f 26
Strategic Level - Incident Cmmander Crdinatin Level - Branch fficers Tactical Level - Divisin fficers Task Level - Cmpanies Branch Officers shuld be utilized at incidents where the span f cntrl with divisins is maximized, incidents invlving tw r mre distinctly different majr management cmpnents (i.e. a large fire with a majr evacuatin, a large fire with a large number f patients). The Incident Cmmander may elect t assign Branch Officers as frward psitins t crdinate the activities between divisins. The intent f the Branch Level f the Cmmand structure is t split an incident int manageable cmpnents and reduce the span f cntrl. The fllwing types f incidents are examples where Branch Officers shuld be utilized: A Hazmat incident that requires a majr evacuatin. A large scale incident spread ver a wide gegraphic area. An incident with mass casualties and a significant hazard (i.e. fire, Hazmat, plane crash, flds, etc.). Campaign High-rise fires. Any incident where the number f divisins exceed the span f cntrl that can be effectively managed by the Incident Cmmander. Branch Officers manage and direct activities f Divisin Officers. Branch Officers shuld perate n separate radi channels if pssible. The radi designatin f Branch Officers shuld reflect the functin r gegraphic area f the Branch (i.e. Fire Cntrl Branch, Medical Branch, West Branch, etc.). When Cmmand implements Branch Officers, the Divisin Officers shuld be ntified by Cmmand f their new supervisr. This infrmatin shuld include: A. What Branch the divisin is nw assigned t. B. The radi channel the Branch (and divisin) is perating n. Radi Cmmunicatins shuld then be directed frm the Divisin Officer t the Branch Officer - instead f Cmmand. Divisin Officers will relay this infrmatin t the Cmpanies wrking in their divisin. Radi Channel Assignments t Branches Branch Officer s psitins shuld be assigned t Chief Officers. Depending n the situatin, Branch Officers may be lcated at the Cmmand Pst r at a remte lcatin. When lcated at the Cmmand Pst, Branch fficers can cmmunicate n a face-t-face basis with the Incident Cmmander and/r the Operatins Officer. When an incident encmpasses a large Page 15 f 26
gegraphic area it may be mre effective t have Branch fficers in frward perating psitins. When Branch fficers are sent t frward psitins, they shuld utilize a Cmmand fficer's vehicle as a frward Branch Cmmand Pst (when feasible). In these situatins, Cmmand must assign fficers in the Cmmand Pst t mnitr each Branch radi channel. Cmmand may ccasinally be faced with a situatin where he/she has very little cntrl ver peratinal divisin(s). This wuld include divisins in cnflicting psitins (persnnel blasting ne anther with hse streams), multiple divisins spilling int each ther, defensive fire peratins in ne area and ffensive peratins in the adjining fire area. Cmmand shuld utilize a Branch Officer in these types f situatins t g t a frward psitin and crdinate the activities f these divisins. Branch Officers are nt limited t Operatins. ER - Rle / Respnsibilities After Activatin f an Operatins Officer Once the Operatins Officer is in place and functining, the Incident Cmmander's fcus shuld be n the strategic issues, verall strategic planning and ther cmpnents f the incident. This fcus is t lk at the "big picture" and the impact f the incident frm a brad perspective. The Incident Cmmander shuld prvide directin, advice and guidance t the Operatins fficer in directing the tactical aspects f the incident. Review and evaluate the plan, and initiate any needed changes. Prvide n-ging review f the verall incident (THE BIG PICTURE). Select pririties. Prvide directin t the Operatins Officer. Review the rganizatinal structure, initiate change r expansin t meet incident needs. Initiate Sectin and Branch functins as required. Establish liaisn with ther city agencies and fficials, utside agencies, prperty wners and/r tenants. In rder t maintain cntinuity and verall effectiveness, the incident cmmander and Operatins Officer shuld nrmally be in the Cmmand Pst tgether. COMMAND STRUCTURE - Expansin f Operatins COMMAND OPERATIONS PLANNING LOGISTICS FINANCE ADMINISTRATION Page 16 f 26
Sectin Chief Psitins As a small incident escalates int a majr incident, supprt will be required. As additinal ranking fficers arrive n the scene, the Incident Cmmand Team may be expanded thrugh the invlvement f Cmmand Officers and staff persnnel t fill Sectin Chief psitins. Sectin Chiefs assist the Incident Cmmand Staff with the verall management f the incident scene and perate at the Strategic Level. Where the cmmunicatins system permits, Sectin Officers shuld perate n separate radi channels and utilize the radi designatin that identifies their sectin (Planning, Lgistics, etc.). The Incident Cmmander develps and implements Sectins as needed, depending n the situatin, and pririty f needs, the ICS rganizatin invlves fur functinal Sectins: 1. Operatins 2. Planning 3. Lgistics 4. Finance / Administratin. I. THE OPERATIONS SECTION The Operatins Sectin is respnsible fr managing tactical peratins at the incident site directed tward reducing the immediate hazard, saving lives and prperty, establishing situatin cntrl, and restring nrmal cnditins. Incidents can include acts f terrrism, wildland and urban fires, flds, hazardus material spills, nuclear accidents, aircraft accidents, earthquakes, hurricanes, trnades, trpical strms, war-related disasters, public health and medical emergencies, and ther incidents requiring an emergency respnse. Because f its functinal unit management structure, the ICS is applicable acrss a spectrum f incidents differing in size, scpe, and cmplexity. The types f agencies that culd be included in the Operatins Sectin include fire, law enfrcement, public health, public wrks, and emergency services, wrking tgether as a unit r in cmbinatins, depending n the situatin. Incident peratins can be rganized and executed in many ways. The specific methd selected will depend n the type f incident, agencies invlved, and bjectives and strategies f the incident management effrt. a. Operatins Sectin Chief The Operatins Sectin Chief directly manages all incident tactical activities and implements the IAP. The Operatins Sectin Chief may have ne r mre deputies (preferably frm ther agencies in multi-jurisdictinal incidents). Deputies will be qualified t a similar level as the Operatins Sectin Chief. An Operatins Sectin Chief shuld be designated fr each peratinal perid and will have direct invlvement in the preparatin f the IAP fr the perid f respnsibility. Page 17 f 26
b. Divisins and Grups Divisins and grups are established when the number f resurces exceeds the Operatins Sectin Chief s manageable span f cntrl. Divisins demarcate physical r gegraphical areas f peratin within the incident area. Grups demarcate functinal areas f peratin fr the incident. The use f the tw terms is necessary, because divisin always refers t a gegraphical assignment and grup always refers t a functinal assignment. Bth divisins and grups may be used in a single incident if there is justificatin fr their use and if prper crdinatin can be effected. c. Resurce Organizatin Initially, in any incident, individual resurces that are assigned will reprt directly t the IC. As the incident grws in size r cmplexity, individual resurces may be rganized and emplyed in a number f ways t facilitate incident management: Single Resurces. Resurces may be emplyed n an individual basis. This is typically the case in the cntext f the initial respnse t the incident. During sustained peratins, situatins will typically arise that call fr the use f a single helicpter, vehicle, mbile equipment, etc. Task Frces. Task Frces are any cmbinatin f resurces put tgether t accmplish a specific missin. Task Frces have a designated leader and perate with cmmn cmmunicatins. Cmbining resurces int Task Frces allws several key resurce elements t be managed under ne individual s supervisin, thus aiding in span f cntrl. Strike Teams A Strike Team cnsists f a set number f resurces f the same kind and type perating under a designated leader with cmmn cmmunicatins between them. Strike Teams represent knwn capability and are highly effective management units. d. Branches Branches may be established t serve several purpses including the fllwing: The Numbers f Divisins and/r Grups Exceed the Recmmended Span f Cntrl fr the Operatins Sectin Chief. The recmmended span f cntrl fr the Operatins Sectin Chief is 1:5. When this is exceeded, the Operatins Sectin Chief shuld set up tw branches allcating the divisins and grups between them. The Nature f the Incident Calls fr a Functinal Branch Structure Fr example, if a large aircraft crashes within a city, varius departments within the city (including plice, fire, emergency services, and public health services) wuld each have a Page 18 f 26
functinal branch perating under the directin f an Operatins Sectin Chief reprting t a Unified Cmmand. II. THE PLANNING SECTION The Planning Sectin is respnsible fr cllecting, evaluating, and disseminating tactical infrmatin pertaining t the incident. This sectin maintains infrmatin and intelligence n the current and frecasted situatin, as well as the status f resurces assigned t the incident. The Planning Sectin prepares and dcuments IAPs and incident maps and gathers and disseminates infrmatin and intelligence critical t the incident. Planning Sectin Chief The Planning Sectin Chief versees all incident-related data gathering and analysis regarding incident peratins and assigned resurces, develps alternatives fr tactical peratins, cnducts planning meetings, and prepares the IAP fr each peratinal perid. This individual will nrmally cme frm the jurisdictin with primary incident respnsibility and may have ne r mre deputies frm ther participating jurisdictins. Planning Sectin Resurces Unit Situatin Unit Dembilizatin Unit Dcumentatin Unit Technical Specialist (s) a. Resurces Unit 1. Respnsibilities Physical resurces cnsist f persnnel, teams, facilities, supplies, and majr items f equipment available fr assignment t r emplyment during incidents. The Resurces Unit makes certain that all assigned persnnel and ther resurces have checked in at the incident. This unit shuld have a system fr keeping track f the current lcatin and status f all assigned resurces and shuld maintain a master list f all resurces cmmitted t incident peratins. Page 19 f 26
2. Managing Resurces Fr effective management f their emplyment, resurces must be categrized by capability and capacity acrss disciplines and tracked cntinuusly as t status. The fllwing tls are necessary fr maintaining an up-t-date and accurate picture f resurce utilizatin: a. Status Cnditins Tactical resurces at an incident can have ne f three status cnditins: Assigned resurces are persnnel, teams, equipment, r facilities that have checked in and are supprting incident peratins. Available resurces are persnnel, teams, equipment, r facilities that have been assigned t an incident and are ready fr a specific wrk detail r functin Out-f-service resurces are persnnel, teams, equipment, r facilities that have been assigned t an incident but are unable t functin fr mechanical, rest, r persnal reasns; r because their cnditin makes them unusable. b. Changes in Status. b. Situatin Unit Nrmally, the individual wh changes the status f a resurce, such as equipment lcatin and status is respnsible fr prmptly infrming the Resurces Unit. The Situatin Unit cllects, prcesses, and rganizes nging situatin infrmatin; prepares situatin summaries; and develps prjectins and frecasts f future events related t the incident. The Situatin Unit als prepares maps and gathers and disseminates infrmatin and intelligence fr use in the IAP. This unit may als require the expertise f technical specialists and peratins and infrmatin security specialists. c. Dcumentatin Unit The Dcumentatin Unit maintains accurate and cmplete incident files, including a cmplete recrd f the majr steps taken t reslve the incident; prvides duplicatin services t incident persnnel; and files, maintains, and stres incident files fr legal, analytical, and histrical purpses. Dcumentatin is part f the Planning Sectin primarily because this unit prepares the IAP and maintains many f the files and recrds that are develped as part f the verall IAP and planning functin. Page 20 f 26
d. Dembilizatin Unit The Dembilizatin Unit develps an Incident Dembilizatin Plan that includes specific instructins fr all persnnel and resurces that will require dembilizatin. This unit shuld begin its wrk early in the incident, creating rsters f persnnel and resurces and btaining any missing infrmatin as check-in prceeds. Once the Incident Dembilizatin Plan has been apprved, the Dembilizatin Unit ensures that it is distributed bth at the incident and elsewhere as necessary. e. Technical Specialist The ICS is designed t functin in a wide variety f incident scenaris requiring the use f technical specialists. These persnnel have special skills and are activated nly when needed. Specialists may serve anywhere within the rganizatin, including the Cmmand Staff. Technical specialists nrmally perfrm the same duties during an incident that they perfrm in their everyday jbs, and they are typically specially certified in their fields r prfessins. III. THE LOGISTICS SECTION The Lgistics Sectin meets all supprt needs fr the incident, including rdering resurces. Lgistics als prvides facilities, transprtatin, supplies, equipment maintenance and fueling, fdservice, cmmunicatins, and medical services fr incident persnnel. Lgistics Sectin Chief The Lgistics Sectin is led by a Sectin Chief, wh may als have a Deputy. Having a deputy is encuraged when all designated units are established at an incident site. When the incident is very large r requires a number f facilities with large numbers f equipment, the Lgistics Sectin can be divided int tw branches, Service and Supprt. Lgistics Sectin Service Branch Supprt Branch Cmmunicatins Unit Supply Unit Medical unit Facilities Unit Fd Unit Grund Supprt Unit Page 21 f 26
a. Supply Unit The Supply Unit rders, receives, stres, and prcesses all incident-related resurces, persnnel, and supplies. Once established, the Supply Unit als has the basic respnsibility fr all ff-incident rdering, including: All tactical and supprt resurces (including persnnel) All expendable and nnexpendable supplies required fr incident supprt. The Supply Unit prvides the supprt required t receive, prcess, stre, and distribute all supply rders. The unit als handles tl peratins, which include string, disbursing, and servicing f all tls and prtable, nnexpendable equipment. b. Facilities Unit The Facilities Unit sets up, maintains, and dembilizes all facilities used in supprt f incident peratins. The unit als prvides facility maintenance and security services required t supprt incident peratins. The Facilities Unit sets up the ICP, incident base, and camps, as well as trailers and/r ther frms f shelter fr use in and arund the incident area. The incident base and camps may ften be established in areas having existing structures, which may be used in their entirety r nly in part. The Facilities Unit als prvides and sets up necessary persnnel supprt facilities, including areas fr: Fd and water service; Sleeping; Sanitatin and shwers; and Staging This unit als rders, thrugh supply, such additinal supprt items as prtable tilets, shwer facilities, and lighting units. Nte that prviding shelter fr victims is a critical peratinal activity, which will be incrprated int the IAP. Sheltering will nrmally be cnducted by apprpriate nngvernmental rganizatin staff, such as the American Red Crss r ther similar entities. c. Grund Supprt Unit The Grund Supprt Unit maintains and repairs primary tactical equipment, vehicles, and mbile grund supprt equipment; recrds usage time fr all grund equipment (including cntract equipment) assigned t the incident; supplies fuel fr all mbile equipment; prvides transprtatin in supprt f incident peratins (except aircraft); and develps and implements the Incident Traffic Plan. Page 22 f 26
d. Cmmunicatins Unit The Cmmunicatins Unit develps the Cmmunicatins Plan (ICS205) t make the mst effective use f the cmmunicatins equipment and facilities assigned t the incident, installs and tests all cmmunicatins equipment, supervises and perates the incident cmmunicatins center, distributes and recvers cmmunicatins equipment assigned t incident persnnel, and maintains and repairs cmmunicatins equipment n site. The Cmmunicatins Unit s majr respnsibility is effective cmmunicatins planning fr the ICS, especially in the cntext f a multi-agency incident. Mst cmplex incidents will require an Incident Cmmunicatins Plan. The Cmmunicatins Unit is respnsible fr planning the use f radi frequencies; establishing netwrks fr cmmand, tactical, supprt, and air units; setting up n-site telephne and public address equipment; and prviding any required ff-incident cmmunicatin links. Radi netwrks fr large incidents will nrmally be rganized as fllws: 1. Cmmand Net. Links tgether: incident cmmand, cmmand staff, sectin chiefs, branch directrs, divisin, and grup supervisrs. 2. Tactical Nets. Several tactical nets may be established t cnnect agencies, departments, gegraphical areas, r specific functinal units. The determinatin f hw nets are set up shuld be a jint planning, peratins, and lgistics functin. The Cmmunicatins Unit Leader will develp the verall plan. e. Fd Unit 3. Supprt Net. A supprt net may be established primarily t handle changes in resurce status but als t handle lgistical requests and ther nn-tactical functins. 4. Grund-t-Air Net. T crdinate grund-t-air traffic, either a specific tactical frequency may be designated, r regular tactical nets may be used. 5. Air-t-Air Nets. Air-t-air nets will nrmally be pre-designated and assigned fr use at the incident. The Fd Unit determines fd and water requirements; plans menus, rders fd, prvides cking facilities, cks, serves, maintains fd service areas, and manages fd security and safety cncerns. Efficient fd service is imprtant, but especially s fr any extended incident. The Fd Unit must be able t anticipate incident needs, bth in terms f the number f peple wh will need t be fed Page 23 f 26