Notes on Incident Command System (ICS)

Introduction to ICS

• Definition: A standardized, on-scene, incident management concept.
  • Involves command, control, coordination of emergency management programs.
  • Includes mitigation, preparedness, response, and recovery activities.
• Objective: Coordinate efforts of individual agencies to stabilize incidents, protect life, property, and the environment.
• Origin: Developed in the United States, inspired by the U.S. Armed Forces hierarchy.

Development and Issues in ICS

• 1970s: Fully developed to address:
  • Multiagency response problems.
  • Nonstandard terminology.
  • Lack of flexible expansion.
  • Non-integrated communications.
  • Lack of consolidated action plans.
  • Lack of designated facilities.

Legal Framework in the Philippines

• Republic Act 10121 (2010): OCD tasked with coordinating disaster response procedures.
• NDRRMC Memo Circulars (2012-2016): Guidelines for ICS use in disaster response.
  • Executive Order No. 82 (2012): Mandates ICS activation for human-induced crises.
  • Memo No. 43 and 44 (2016): Guidelines on interoperability and mobilization of ICS teams.

Benefits of ICS

• Provides structured command.
• Interdisciplinary and flexible organizational structure.
• Best management practices.
• Cost-effective by avoiding duplication of efforts.

Structure and Features of ICS

• Standardization: Common terminology and communication.
• Command:
  • Establishment and transfer of command.
  • Chain of command and unity of command.
  • Unified command.
• Planning/Organizational Structure:
  • Management by objectives.
  • Incident Action Plan (IAP).
  • Modular organization, manageable span of control.
• Facilities and Resources:
  • Comprehensive resource management.
  • Incident locations and facilities.
• Communication/Information Management:
  • Integrated communications.
  • Information and intelligence management.
• Professionalism:
  • Accountability.
  • Dispatch/Deployment.

Management by Objectives

• Objectives Communication: Through the incident planning process.
• Establishing Incident Objectives:
  • Understand policy and direction.
  • Assess situation, establish objectives.
  • Select strategy, perform tactical direction, provide follow-up.
• Priorities: Life safety, incident stabilization, property preservation.

Incident Action Plan (IAP)

• Essentials:
  • Specifies objectives.
  • Outlines activities for a timeframe (operational period).
  • Elements include responsibilities, communication, and procedure for injuries.

ICS Organization and Facilities

• Incident Command Structure:
  • No correlation with other agencies’ administrative structures.
• Facility Types:
  • Incident Command Post (ICP): Oversees operations, changes location as needed.
  • Staging Areas: Temporary personnel/equipment waiting areas.
  • Base/Camps: Primary logistics/admin functions, resource support.
  • Helibase/Helispots: Locations for helicopter operations, fueling, maintenance.

Accountability and Resource Management

• Principles:
  • Check-In, Incident Action Plan, Unity of Command.
  • Span of Control, Resource Tracking.
• Major ICS Management Functions:
  • Command, Planning, Operations, Logistics, Finance/Administration.

Incident Management Team (IMT)

• Comprises of the Incident Commander and Command/General Staff.
• Responsibilities:
  • On-scene response, resource management, safety, logistical support.
  • Documentation, additional resource requests, demobilization process.
• Qualifications:
  • Must be from recognized agencies, trained in ICS standards.
  • Selected by RO through Delegation of Authority.

Conclusion

• ICS is a vital structured system for efficient incident management across various types and sizes of emergencies.