2. BACKGROUND
• Indidents and events are organized to ensure achievement of incident
objectives
• It discusses
• Steps in organizational development that should take place on the incident or
at event
• How major or complex incidents and events can creat special problems
• How potential problems can result in increased organizing options for
effective management
3. I. Approaches to Incident Organization
• It is straitforward process according to procedure
• There are two approaches wchich can be used to organize for
incidents and events
A. Organizing for Events:
• Organize prior to event: for field training or simulation
B. Organizing for Incidents
• Unplanned incident: Size, risk human life, resources, develop action plan
4. STEPS
There are five important steps in effectively assuming command of an
incident in progress.
1. An assessment of the incident situation with the existing IC.
2. Briefing
3. Time for transfer of command.
4. Notice of a change in incident
5. Another assignment on the incident.
5. BRIEFING
• Incident history (what has happened)
• Priorities and objectives
• Current plan
• Resource assignments
• Incident organization
• Resources ordered/needed
• Facilities established
• Status of communications
• Any constraints or limitations
• Incident potential
• Delegation of Authority
6. The ICS Form 201
The ICS Form 201 contains:
• A place for a sketch map
• Summary of current actions
• Organizational framework
• Resources summary
7. C. After the incident briefing, the incoming IC
should determine an appropriate time for transfer
of command.
8. 4. At the appropriate time, notice of a change
in incident command should be made to:
• Agency headquarters (through dispatch)
• General Staff members (if designated)
• Command Staff members (if designated)
• All incident personnel
9. E. The incoming IC may give the previous IC
another assignment on the incident.
There are several advantages of this:
• Retains first-hand knowledge at the incident site.
• Allows the initial IC to observe the progress of the incident
and to gain experience.
10. III. CHANGING THE INITIAL INCIDENT ACTION
PLAN
• Change in agency administrator goals
• Change in available resources - kinds or types
• Failure or unexpected success of tactical efforts
• Improved intelligence
• Cost factors
• Political considerations
• Environmental considerations
11. IV. THREE GUIDELINES TO CHANGES
• Be concerned about safety considerations
• Make changes if you must
• Make them sooner rather than later
12. iv) Organizing Incident Operations
ØOperations Section organization develops from the bottom up.
ØIncident Commander establishes Divisions and/or Groups before
an Operations Section Chief is assigned.
ØDivisions/Groups- function
ØDivisions - areas of the incident
ØGroups - geographic boundaries.
ØBranches - clustered
13. V) Using Unified Command
ØUnified Command is highly recommended for incidents involving multiple jurisdictions
or agencies.
ØIt coordinates responses by different agencies with varying responsibilities.
ØUnified Command allows agencies to work together effectively without losing individual
authority.
ØIt creates a unified team with personnel from various agencies.
ØThe Operations Section Chief is empowered to implement tactical operations.
Advantages
ØUnified Command ensures a collective approach to developing incident objectives and
strategies.
ØIt improves information flow and coordination among all involved jurisdictions and
agencies without compromising individual authority, reducing duplication of efforts and
costs.
14. VI. Problems in Major or Complex
Incident Management
• Multi-agency involvement, complex management.
• Large geographical impact, extensive damage.
• Requires experienced, qualified personnel.
• High resource demand, costly mitigation.
• Psychological trauma, diminished human capacity.
• Preparation crucial for effective management.
15. VII. Characteristics of Major/Complex
Incidents
• Filled Command and General Staff positions.
• Functional units within sections needed.
• Divisions/groups for geographical work assignments.
• Operations Branches for span of control.
• Transition to more qualified Incident Commander.
• Other agencies assisting; written action plans.
16. VIII. Primary factors in determining the
size of the overall organization
ØAdministrative and jurisdictional complexity.
Ø Geographical area involved.
Ø Functional specialties required.
Ø Incident logistical, planning, and other support needs.
Ø Potential for growth
17. Four option to manage major incidents under
ICS
ØMultiple incident management with a single ICS organization (an Incident
Complex).
Ø Dividing a single incident into two (or more) incidents.
Ø Expanding the ICS planning capability for incidents.
Ø Expanding the ICS organization to accommodate a second Operations or
Logistics Section.