OPERATIONAL SYSTEM DESCRIPTION

Transcription

1 NATIONAL INTER-AGENCY INCIDENT MANAGEMENT SYSTEM (NIIMS) OPERATIONAL SYSTEM DESCRIPTION POSITION DESCRIPTIONS & PROCEDURES MANUAL FOR GENERAL USE

2 TABLE OF CONTENTS INTRODUCTION TO NIIMS 3 ICS OPERATING REQUIREMENTS 4 COMPONENTS OF THE ICS 5 COMMON TERMINOLOGY 5 MODULAR ORGANIZATION 5 INTEGRATED COMMUNICATIONS 6 UNIFIED COMMAND 7 CONSOLIDATED ACTION PLANS 8 MANAGEABLE SPAN-OF-CONTROL 8 PRE-DESIGNATED INCIDENT FACILITIES 9 COMPREHENSIVE RESOURCE MANAGEMENT 10 ICS ORGANIZATION & OPERATIONS 11 COMMAND (MANAGEMENT) SECTION 11 OPERATIONS SECTION 14 ORGANIZATION OF INCIDENT TACTICAL OPERATIONS 16 PLANNING SECTION 18 LOGISTICS SECTION 20 FINANCE SECTION 23 INCIDENT ACTION PLANNING PROCESS 26 OSD - 2

3 INCIDENT COMMAND SYSTEM (ICS) OPERATIONAL SYSTEM DESCRIPTION (OSD) INTRODUCTION The Natinal Interagency Incident Management System (NIIMS) has been develped t prvide a cmmn system that emergency service agencies can utilize at lcal, state, and federal levels. NIIMS cnsists f five majr sub-systems that cllectively prvide a ttal systems apprach t all risk incident management. The sub-systems are: The Incident Cmmand System (ICS) - that includes perating requirements, 8 interactive cmpnents and prcedures fr rganizing and perating an n-scene management structure. Training - that is standardized and supprts the effective peratin f NIIMS. Qualificatins and Certificatin System - that prvides persnnel acrss the natin meeting standard training, experience, and physical requirements t fill specific psitins in the Incident Cmmand System. Publicatins Management - that includes develpment, publicatin, and distributin f NIIMS materials. Supprting Technlgies - such as satellite remte imaging, sphisticated cmmunicatins systems, gegraphic infrmatin systems, etc. that supprts NIIMS peratins. Incident Cmmand System (ICS) The ICS was develped thrugh a cperative inter-agency (lcal, state and federal) effrt. The basic rganizatinal structure f the ICS is based upn a large fire rganizatin that has been develped ver time by federal fire prtectin agencies, hwever, the ICS is designed t be used fr all kinds f emergencies, and is applicable t bth small day-t-day situatins as well as very large and cmplex incidents. OSD - 3

4 ICS OPERATING REQUIREMENTS The design requirements fr the Incident Cmmand System are the fllwing: Mst prvide fr the fllwing kinds f peratins: (a) (b) (c) single jurisdictin/single agency invlvement single jurisdictin with multi-agency invlvement multi-jurisdictin/multi-agency invlvement. Organizatinal structure must be able t adapt t any emergency r incident t which fire prtectin agencies wuld be expected t respnd. Must be applicable and acceptable t users thrughut the cuntry. Shuld be readily adaptable t new technlgy. Must be able t expand in a lgical manner frm an initial attack situatin int a majr incident. Must have basic cmmn elements in rganizatin, terminlgy, and prcedures. this allws fr the maximum applicatin and use f already develped qualificatins and standards. Als, it ensures cntinuatin f a ttal mbility cncept. Implementatin shuld have the least pssible disruptin t existing systems. Must be effective in fulfilling all f the abve requirements and yet be simple enugh t insure lw peratinal maintenance csts. OSD - 4

5 COMPONENTS OF THE ICS The Incident Cmmand System has a number f cmpnents. These eight cmpnents wrking tgether interactively prvide the basis fr an effective incident management system: Cmmn terminlgy Mdular rganizatin Integrated cmmunicatins Unified cmmand structure Cnslidated actin plans Manageable span-f-cntrl Predesignated incident facilities Cmprehensive resurce management Cmmn Terminlgy It is essential fr any management system, and especially ne which will be used in jint peratins by many diverse users, that cmmn terminlgy be established fr the fllwing elements: Organizatinal Functins - A standard set f majr functins and functinal units has been predesignated and named fr the ICS. Terminlgy fr the rganizatinal elements is standard and cnsistent. Resurce Elements - Resurces refer t the cmbinatin f persnnel and equipment used in tactical incident peratins. Cmmn names have been established fr all resurces used within ICS. Any resurce that varies in capability because f size r pwer, fr example, helicpters, engines, r rescue units, is clearly typed as t capability. Facilities - Cmmn identifiers are used fr thse facilities in and arund the incident area that will be used during the curse f the incident. These facilities include such things as the cmmand pst, incident base, and staging areas. Mdular Organizatin The ICS rganizatinal structure develps in a mdular fashin based upn the kind and size f an incident. The rganizatin's staff build frm the tp dwn with respnsibility and perfrmance placed initially with the incident cmmander. OSD - 5

6 As the need exists, fur separate sectins can be develped, each with several units that may be established. The specific rganizatinal structure established fr any given incident will be based upn the management needs f the incident. If ne individual can simultaneusly manage all majr functinal areas, n further rganizatin is required. If ne r mre f the areas requires independent management, an individual is named t be respnsible fr that area. Fr ease f reference and understanding, persnnel assigned t manage at each level f the rganizatin will carry a distinctive rganizatinal title: Incident Cmmand "Incident Cmmander" Cmmand Staff "Officer" Sectin "Sectin Chief" Branch "Branch Directr" (ptinal level) Divisin/Grup/Sectr "Divisin/Grup/Sectr Supervisr" Unit "Unit Leader" In the ICS, the first management assignments by the initial attack incident cmmander will nrmally be ne r mre sectin chiefs t manage the majr functinal areas. Sectin chiefs will further delegate management authrity fr their areas nly as required. If the sectin chief sees the need, functinal units may be established within the sectin. Similarly, each functinal unit leader will further assign individual tasks within the unit nly as needed. Integrated Cmmunicatins Cmmunicatins at the incident are managed thrugh the use f a cmmn cmmunicatins plan and an incident based cmmunicatins center established slely fr the use f tactical and supprt resurces assigned t the incident. All cmmunicatins between rganizatinal elements at an incident shuld be in plain English. N cdes shuld be used, and all cmmunicatins shuld be cnfined nly t essential messages. The cmmunicatins unit is respnsible fr all cmmunicatins planning at the incident. This will include incident-established radi netwrks, n-site telephne, public address, and ff-incident telephne/micrwave/radi systems. RADIO NETWORKS (NETS) - Radi netwrks fr large incidents will nrmally be rganized as fllws: Cmmand Net - this net shuld link tgether: incident cmmand, key staff members, sectin chiefs, divisin and grup supervisrs. Tactical Nets - there may be several tactical nets. they may be established arund agencies, departments, gegraphical areas, r OSD - 6

7 even specific functins. The determinatin f hw nets are set up shuld be a jint planning/peratins functin. The cmmunicatins unit leader will develp the plan. Supprt Net - A supprt net will be established primarily t handle status - changing fr resurces as well as fr supprt requests and certain ther ne-tactical r cmmand functins. Grund t Air Net - A grund t air tactical frequency may be designated, r regular tactical nets may be used t crdinate grund t air traffic. Air t Air Nets - Air t air nets will nrmally be predesignated and assigned fr use at the incident. Unified Cmmand Structure The need fr unified cmmand is brught abut because: Incidents have n regard fr jurisdictinal bundaries. Wildland fires, transprtatin rute incidents, flds, hurricanes, earthquakes, and hazardus material spills usually cause multi-jurisdictinal majr incident situatins. Individual agency respnsibility and authrity is nrmally legally cnfined t a single jurisdictin. The cncept f unified cmmand simply means that all agencies wh have a jurisdictinal respnsibility at a multi-jurisdictin incident cntribute t the prcess f: Determining verall incident bjectives Selectin f strategies Ensuring that jint planning fr tactical activities will be accmplished Ensuring that integrated tactical peratins are cnducted Making maximum use f all assigned resurces. The prper selectin f participants t wrk within a unified cmmand structure will depend upn: The lcatin f the incident - which plitical jurisdictins are invlved. The type f incident - which functinal agencies f the invlved jurisdictin(s) are required. OSD - 7

8 A unified cmmand structure culd cnsist f a key respnsible fficial frm each jurisdictin in a multi-jurisdictinal situatin r it culd cnsist f several functinal departments within a single plitical jurisdictin. Cmmn bjectives and strategy n majr multi-jurisdictinal incidents shuld be written. The bjectives and strategies then guide develpment f the plan. under a unified cmmand structure in the ICS, the implementatin f the actin plan will be dne under the directin f a single individual - the peratins chief. The peratins chief will nrmally be frm the agency that has the greatest jurisdictinal invlvement. Designatin f the peratins chief must be agreed upn by all agencies having jurisdictinal and functinal respnsibility at the incident. Cnslidated Actin Plans Every incident needs sme frm f an actin plan. Fr small incidents f shrt duratin, the plan need nt be written. The fllwing are examples f when written actin plans shuld be used: When resurces frm multiple agencies are being used. When several jurisdictins are invlved. When the incident will require changes in shifts f persnnel and/r equipment. The incident cmmander will establish bjectives and make strategy determinatins fr the incident based upn the requirements f the jurisdictin. In the case f a unified cmmand, the incident bjectives must adequately reflect the plicy and need f all the jurisdictinal agencies. The actin plan fr the incident shuld cver all tactical and supprt activities required fr the peratinal perid. Manageable Span-f-Cntrl Safety factrs as well as sund management planning will bth influence and dictate span-f-cntrl cnsideratins. In general, within the ICS, the span-fcntrl f any individual with emergency management respnsibility shuld range frm three t seven with a span-f-cntrl f five being established as a rule f thumb. Of curse, there will always be exceptins (e.g, an individual medical crew leader will nrmally have mre than five persnnel under supervisin). OSD - 8

9 The kind f an incident, the nature f the task, hazard and safety factrs, and distances between elements all will influence span-f-cntrl cnsideratins. An imprtant cnsideratin in span-f-cntrl is t anticipate change and prepare fr it. This is especially true during rapid build up f the rganizatin when gd management is made difficult because f t many reprting elements. Predesignated Incident Facilities There are several kinds and types f facilities that can be established in and arund the incident area. The determinatin f kinds f facilities and their lcatins will be based upn the requirements f the incident and the directin f Incident Cmmand. The fllwing facilities are defined fr use with the ICS: Cmmand Pst - Designated as the CP, the cmmand pst will be the lcatin frm which all incident peratins are directed. There shuld nly be ne cmmand pst fr ne incident site. In a unified cmmand structure where several agencies r jurisdictins are invlved, the respnsible individuals designated by their respective agencies wuld be c-lcated at the cmmand pst. The planning functin is als perfrmed at the cmmand pst. Nrmally the cmmunicatins center wuld be established at this lcatin. The cmmand pst may be c-lcated with the incident base if cmmunicatins requirements can be met. Incident Base - The incident base is the lcatin at which primary supprt activities are perfrmed. The base will huse all equipment and persnnel supprt peratins, and can supprt several incident sites. The incident lgistics sectin, which is respnsible fr rdering all resurces and supplies, is als lcated at the base. There shuld nly be ne incident base established; and nrmally, the base will nt be relcated. If pssible, incident base lcatins shuld always be included in the pre-attack plans. The incident base shuld be distinguished frm a staging area which is a temprary supprt area. Camps - Camps are lcatins frm which resurces may be lcated t better supprt incident peratins. At camps, certain essential supprt peratins (e.g, feeding, sleeping, sanitatin) can be maintained. Als at camps, minr maintenance and service f equipment will be dne. Camps may be relcated, if necessary, t meet tactical peratins requirements. Staging Areas - Staging areas are established fr temprary lcatin f available resurces n three-minute ntice. Staging areas will be established by the peratins chief at each incident site t lcate resurces nt immediately assigned. A staging area can be anywhere in which mbile equipment can be temprarily parked awaiting assignment. OSD - 9

10 Staging areas may include temprary sanitatin services and fueling. Feeding f persnnel wuld be prvided by mbile kitchens r sack lunches. Staging areas shuld be highly mbile. The peratins chief will assign a Staging Area Manager fr each staging area. This manager is respnsible fr the check-in f all incming resurces; t dispatch resurces at the request f the peratins chief, and t request lgistics sectin supprt as necessary fr resurces lcated in the staging area. Helibases - Helibases are lcatins in and arund the incident area at which helicpters may be parked, maintained, fueled and laded with retardants, persnnel r equipment. Mre than ne helibase may be required n very large incidents. Once established n an incident, a helibase will usually nt be relcated. Helispts - Helispts are mre temprary and less used lcatins than helibases at which helicpters can land, take ff, and in sme cases, lad patients r supplies. They may be c-lcated near Casualty Cllectin Pints (CCPs). Cmprehensive Resurce Management Resurces may be managed in three different ways, depending upn the needs f the incident. Single Resurces - These are<+!> individual<-!> engines, bulldzers, crews, helicpters, plw units, ladders, rescuers r ther, that will be assigned as primary tactical units. A single resurce will be the equipment plus the required individuals t prperly utilize it. Task Frces - A task frce is any cmbinatin f resurces that can be assembled fr a specific missin. All resurce elements within a task frce must have cmmn cmmunicatins and a leader. The leader smetimes will have a separate vehicle. Task frces shuld be established t meet specific tactical needs and shuld be dembilized as single resurces. Strike Teams - Strike teams are a set number f resurces f the same kind and type that have an established minimum number f persnnel. Strike teams will always have a leader (usually in a separate vehicle) and will have cmmn cmmunicatins amng resurce elements. Strike teams can be made up f engines, hand crews, plws, water tankers, r any ther kind f resurce where cmmn elements becme a useful tactical resurce. OSD - 10

11 The use f strike teams and task frces is encuraged, wherever pssible, t maximize the use f resurces, reduce the management cntrl f a large number f single resurces, and reduce the cmmunicatins lad. RESOURCE STATUS - In rder t maintain an up-t-date and accurate picture f resurce utilizatin, it is necessary that: All resurces be assigned a current status cnditin. All changes in resurce lcatins and status cnditins be made prmptly t the resurce and situatin unit. Status Cnditins - Three status cnditins are established fr use with tactical resurces at the incident: Assigned - Perfrming an active assignment. Ready fr assignment - All resurces in staging areas shuld be available. n three-minute ntice. Out-f-Service - Nt ready fr available r assigned status. Changes in Status - Nrmally the individual wh makes the change in a resurce's status is respnsible fr prviding that infrmatin t the central resurce status-keeping functin. ORGANIZATION AND OPERATIONS The ICS rganizatin has five majr functinal areas: Cmmand (Management) Operatins Planning Lgistics Finance Cmmand (Management) Sectin Cmmand is respnsible fr verall management f the incident. Cmmand als includes certain staff functins required t supprt the cmmand functin. The cmmand functin within the ICS may be cnducted in tw general ways: Single cmmand Unified cmmand OSD - 11

12 Single Cmmand Within a jurisdictin where an incident ccurs, and when there is n verlap f jurisdictinal bundaries invlved, a single incident cmmander will be designated by the jurisdictinal agency t have verall management respnsibility fr the incident. The incident cmmander will prepare incident bjectives that in turn will be the fundatin upn which subsequent actin planning will be based. The incident cmmander will apprve the final actin plan, and apprve all requests fr rdering and releasing f primary resurces. The incident cmmander may have a deputy. The deputy shuld have the same qualificatins as the incident cmmander, and may wrk directly with the incident cmmander, be a relief, r perfrm certain specific assigned tasks. In an incident within a single jurisdictin, where the nature f the incident is primarily a respnsibility f ne agency (e.g., fire), the deputy may be frm the same agency. In a multi-jurisdictinal incident r ne that threatens t be a multijurisdictinal, the deputy rle may be filled by an individual designated by the adjacent agency. mre than ne deputy culd be invlved. Anther way f rganizing t meet multi-jurisdictinal situatins is described under unified cmmand. Unified Cmmand A unified cmmand structure is called fr under the fllwing cnditins: Single jurisdictin, Multi-Agency. The incident is ttally cntained within a single jurisdictin, but mre than ne department r agency shares management respnsibility due t the nature f the incident r the kinds f resurces required. Fr example, a passenger airliner crash within a natinal frest. Fire, medical, and law enfrcement all have immediate, but diverse bjectives. Multi-jurisdictinal, Multi-agency. The incident is multi-jurisdictinal in nature. Fr example, a majr earthquake crsses jurisdictinal bundaries.. Differences Between Single and Unified Cmmand The primary differences between the single and unified cmmand structures are: In a single cmmand structure, a single incident cmmander is slely respnsible (within the cnfines f authrity) t establish bjectives and verall management strategy assciated with the incident. The incident cmmander is directly respnsible fr fllw-thrugh t insure that all OSD - 12

13 functinal area actins are directed tward accmplishment f the strategy. The implementatin f the planning required t effect peratinal cntrl will be the respnsibility f a single individual (peratins chief) wh will reprt directly t the incident cmmander. O In a unified cmmand structure, the individuals designated by their jurisdictins (r by departments within a single jurisdictin) must jintly determine bjectives, strategy, and pririties. As in a single cmmand structure, the peratins chief will have respnsibility fr implementatin f the plan. The determinatin f which agency (r department) the peratins chief represents must be made by mutual agreement f the unified cmmand. It may be dne n the basis f greatest jurisdictinal invlvement, number f resurces invlved, by existing statutry authrity, r by mutual knwledge f the individual's qualificatins fr a specific type f incident. Cmmand (Management) Staff Cmmand staff psitins are established t assume respnsibility fr key activities which are nt a part f the line rganizatin. In ICS, three specific staff psitins are identified: Infrmatin fficer Safety fficer Liaisn fficer Additinal psitins may be required, depending upn the nature and lcatin f the incident, r requirements established by the incident cmmander. Infrmatin Officer The infrmatin fficer's functin is t develp accurate and cmplete infrmatin regarding incident cause, size, current situatin, resurces cmmitted, and ther matters f general interest. The infrmatin fficer will nrmally be the pint f cntact fr the media and ther gvernmental agencies that desire infrmatin directly abut the incident. In either a single r unified cmmand structure, nly ne infrmatin fficer wuld be designated. Assistants may be assigned frm ther agencies r departments invlved. Safety Officer The safety fficer's functin at the incident is t assess hazardus and unsafe situatins and develp measures fr assuring persnnel safety. The safety fficer shuld have emergency authrity t stp and/r prevent unsafe acts. In a OSD - 13

14 unified cmmand structure, a single safety fficer wuld be designated. Assistants may be required and assigned frm ther agencies r departments making up the unified cmmand. Liaisn Officer The liaisn fficer's functin is t be a pint f cntact fr representatives frm ther agencies. In a single cmmand structure, the representatives frm assisting agencies wuld crdinate thrugh the liaisn fficer. Under a unified cmmand structure, representatives frm agencies nt invlved in the unified cmmand wuld crdinate thrugh the liaisn fficer. Agency representatives assigned t an incident shuld have authrity t speak n all matters fr their agency. Operatins Sectin Tactical peratins at the incident include all activities which are directed tward reductin f the immediate hazard, establishing situatin cntrl, and restratin f nrmal peratins. The types f incident fr which the ICS is applicable are many and varied. They include such things as majr wildland and urban fires, flds, hazardus substance spills, nuclear accidents, aircraft crashes, earthquakes, hurricanes, trnades, tsunamis, and war-caused disasters. Because f the functinal unit management structure, the ICS is equally applicable t small incidents and fr use in nrmal peratins. Basically, nce the ICS perating cncepts are adpted by an agency, the system structure will develp in a natural fashin based upn incident requirements. The agencies that can make use f the ICS include federal, state, and lcal. In sme cases, all may be wrking tgether r they may wrk in cmbinatins. The types f agencies culd include fire, law enfrcement, health, public wrks, emergency services, r thers; again, either wrking altgether r in cmbinatins depending upn the situatin. Many incidents may invlve private individuals, cmpanies, r rganizatins, sme f which may be fully trained and qualified t participate as partners in the ICS. There are many ways that incident tactical peratins may be rganized and perated. The specific methd selected will be dependent upn: The type f incident The agencies invlved The bjectives and strategies selected OSD - 14

15 In the fllwing examples, several different ways f rganizing incident tactical peratins are shwn and described. In sme cases, the selected methd will be determined arund jurisdictinal bundaries. In ther cases, a strictly functinal apprach will be used. In still thers, a mix f functinal/gegraphical may be apprpriate. The ICS ffers extensive flexibility in determining the right apprach based upn the factrs described abve.. Operatins Sectin Chief and Deputies The peratins sectin chief is respnsible fr the direct management f all incident tactical activities. The peratins chief assists in the frmulatin f the actin plan. The peratins chief may have deputy psitins. Deputies frm ther agencies are encuraged in multi-jurisdictinal situatins. Deputies shuld be equally as qualified as the peratins chief. An peratins chief shuld be designated fr each peratinal perid, and the chief shuld have direct invlvement in the preparatins f the actin plan fr the perid f respnsibility. Staging areas are lcatins designated by the peratins chief within the incident area where resurces available fr assignment are temprarily lcated. The peratins chief may establish, mve, r discntinue the use f staging areas. All resurces within the designated staging areas are under the direct cntrl f the peratins chief and shuld be n a 3-minute availability. Staging area managers will request lgistical supprt, (fr example, fd, fuel, and sanitatin) frm apprpriate lgistics sectin units. Staging areas are lcatins designated by the peratins chief within the incident area where resurces are available are temprarily lcated. Air Operatins The air peratins rganizatin is established by the peratins chief. Its size, rganizatin, and use will depend primarily upn the nature f the incident and the availability f aircraft. Where nly a single helicpter is used the helicpter may be directly under the cntrl f the peratins chief. The peratins chief may establish an air peratins directr psitin when: The cmplexity f air peratins requires additinal supprt and effrt. The incident requires bth a mix f tactical and lgistical use f helicpters and ther aircraft. The air supprt grup is respnsible fr establishing and perating helibases and helispts, and fr maintaining required liaisn with fixed-wing tactical (aermedical evacuatin) r supprt requirements f the incident. The grup is respnsible fr all timekeeping fr helicpters assigned t the incident. The OSD - 15

16 air attack supervisr psitin is established as a separate psitin whenever bth helicpter and fixed-wing aircraft will be simultaneusly perated within the incident air space. Resurces Initially, in any incident, the individual resurces that are assigned will be reprting directly t the individual wh has verall respnsibility - the incident cmmander. As described earlier, as the incident grws in size r cmplexity, the incident cmmander may designate an peratins chief t assume tactical directin f resurces. In the ICS, resurces may be used in several ways: Single Resurces - In general, single resurces will be used fr initial attack, first respnse situatins. They may als be dispatched in extended (reinfrced) attack r greater alarm situatins. During an nging incident, there will always be situatins that will call fr the use f a single helicpter, engine, plw unit, crew, r ther piece f equipment. Task Frces - Task frces are any cmbinatin f resurces put tgether fr a specific assignment. Task frces call fr a leader, usually in a separate vehicle, and with cmmand cmmunicatins between all resurce elements. An example f a task frce culd include an engine, hand crew, and bulldzer t wrk n an assignment under the direct supervisin f the task frce leader. Task frces can be very versatile cmbinatins f resurces and their use is encuraged. The cmbining f resurces int task frces allws fr several resurce elements t be managed under ne individual's supervisin, thus lessening the span f cntrl. Strike Team - Strike teams are a set number f resurces f the same kind and type with cmmn cmmunicatins perating under the direct supervisin f a leader. Strike teams are highly effective management units. The freknwledge that all elements have the same capability; and the knwledge f hw many will be applied allws fr better planning, rdering utilizatin, and management. Strike teams are generally recmmended fr use with engines and can be used effectively with hand crews, bulldzers, plw units, and water tender apparatus. Organizatin f Incident Tactical Operatins The fllwing sectin discusses several ways that an incident may be rganized fr tactical peratins: divisins, grups, sectrs and branches. OSD - 16

17 Divisins, Grups and Sectrs Divisins, grups r sectrs are established n an incident when the number f resurces (single increments, task frces, r strike teams) exceeds the span-fcntrl f the peratins chief, r allws fr clearer designatin f activities.. Divisins are established t divide an incident int gegraphical areas f peratin. Grups are established t divide the incident int functinal areas f peratin. Sectrs are established fr gegraphic r functinal purpses. Bth gegraphical divisins and functinal grups may be used n a single incident if there is justificatin fr their use and if prper crdinatin can be effected. Fllwing are sme examples fr the use f divisins and grups. Gegraphical Divisins The best use f gegraphical divisins is t divide an area int natural separatins f terrain, gegraphy, and/r ppulatin density; and where resurces can be effectively managed under span-f-cntrl guidelines. Functinal Grups Functinal grups can best be used t describe areas f like activity. Fr example: ff-lading, triage, treatment, hlding, patient recrding, transprtatin, etc. culd be functinal grups. Sectrs Sectrs can refer t functins r gegraphical areas, an ptinal term used widely in the large metrplitan areas by lcal public safety agencies. Branches Branches may be established n an incident t serve several purpses. Hwever, they are nt always essential t the rganizatin f the peratins sectin. In general, branches may be established fr the fllwing reasns: Span-f-cntrl Exceeded. When the number f divisins/grups exceed the recmmended five t ne span-f-cntrl fr the peratins chief. When this happens, the peratin chief shuld designate a twbranch structure, and allcate the divisin/grups within thse branches. OSD - 17

18 Functinal Branches Required. When the nature f the incident calls fr a functinal branch structure. A majr aircraft crash within a city may require branches. In this case, three departments within the city -- plice, fire, and EMS services -- each have a functinal branch perating under the directin f a single peratins chief (Figure 3.11). In this example, the peratins chief is frm the fire department with deputies frm plice and health service departments. Other alignments culd be made depending upn the city plan and type f emergency. NOTE: Incident cmmand in this situatin culd be either single r unified cmmand depending upn the jurisdictin. Inter-gvernmental Branches Required. When the incident is multijurisdictinal and where resurces are best managed under the agencies that have nrmal cntrl ver thse resurces. A majr earthquake where there is cmbined federal, cunty, and city resurce invlvement may require branches. Planning Sectin The planning sectin is respnsible fr the cllectin, evaluatin and disseminatin f tactical infrmatin abut the incident. The sectin maintain infrmatin n the current and frecasted situatin, and n the status f resurces assigned t the incident. The sectin is als respnsible fr the preparatin and dcumentatin f actin plans. The sectin has fur primary units and may have a number f technical specialists t assist in evaluating the situatin and frecasting requirements fr additinal persnnel and equipment. Planning Sectin Chief and Deputy The planning sectin chief is respnsible fr the gathering and analysis f all data regarding incident peratins and assigned resurces, develping alternatives fr tactical peratins, cnducting the planning meetings, and preparing the actin plan fr each peratinal perid. Under a unified cmmand structure, the planning sectin chief may have a deputy frm ne r mre f the ther invlved jurisdictins. Resurces Unit The resurces unit has the respnsibility t make certain that all assigned persnnel and resurces have checked in at the incident. It is als respnsible fr maintaining current status n all resurces. A status keeping system will be required that will shw the current lcatin f all assigned resurces as well as the current status cnditin fr all resurces. The resurces unit will maintain a master list f all resurces. This shuld include key supervisry persnnel, OSD - 18

19 primary resurces used in tactical peratins, supprt resurces, transprtatin equipment, and all thers. Situatin Unit The situatin unit is respnsible fr cllecting, prcessing and rganizing situatin infrmatin; preparing situatin summaries; and develping prjectins and frecasts f future events related t the incident. The situatin unit will prepare maps and intelligence infrmatin fr use in the actin and recvery plan(s). The situatin unit may als require expertise in the frm f technical specialists. Dcumentatin Unit The dcumentatin unit is respnsible fr maintaining accurate and cmplete incident files; prviding duplicatin services t incident persnnel; and fr filing, maintaining, and string incident files fr legal, analytical, and histrical purpses. The dcumentatin unit is maintained within the planning sectin primarily because it has a majr respnsibility tward the preparatin f the Incident Actin Plans, as well as maintaining files n many recrds that are develped as part f the verall cmmand pst and planning functin. Dembilizatin Unit The Dembilizatin Unit is respnsible fr develping an Incident Dembilizatin Plan. The plan shuld include specific dembilizatin instructins fr all verhead and resurces which require dembilizatin (e.g. nn-lcal persnnel and resurces). The Dembilizatin Unit must als ensure that the Plan, nce apprved, is distributed bth at the incident and t necessary ff-incident lcatins. It is apprpriate fr the Dembilizatin Unit t begin early in the incident, particularly in develping rsters f persnnel and resurces, and t btain any missing infrmatin frm the incident check-in prcess. Technical Specialists The ICS is designed t functin in a wide variety f incidents. Within the planning sectin is the capability, in additin t the fur designated units, t have technical specialists wh may be called upn depending upn the needs f the incident. Technical specialists assigned t the planning sectin may reprt directly t the planning sectin chief; may functin in an existing unit, fr example: an epidemilgist culd be made a part f the situatin unit; r may frm a separate unit within the planning sectin depending upn the requirements f the OSD - 19

20 incident and the needs f the planning sectin chief. It is als pssible that technical specialists culd be reassigned t ther parts f the rganizatin such as t peratins n tactical matters r finance n fiscal matters. Generally, if the expertise is needed fr nly a shrt time and will nrmally be nly ne persn, that persn shuld be assigned t the situatin unit. If the expertise will be required n a lng-range basis and may require several persnnel, it is advisable t establish a separate unit in the planning sectin. The incident itself will primarily dictate the needs fr technical specialists. Listed belw are examples f the kinds f specialists that may be required fr health and medical peratins: Epidemilgist Sanitarian Envirnmental Impact Specialist Resurce Use and Cst Specialist Psychlgist Fatalities Specialist Txic Substance Specialist Training Specialist Lgistics Sectin The lgistics sectin is respnsible fr prviding all supprt needs t the incident except air peratins. The lgistics sectin wuld rder all resurces frm ffincident lcatins. It wuld als prvide facilities, transprtatin, supplies, equipment maintenance and fueling, feeding, cmmunicatins and medical services (the medical unit serves the needs f the respnders). The lgistics sectin will be managed by a lgistics sectin chief. The sectin may als have a deputy. A deputy psitin is encuraged when all designated units are established n an incident. Supply Unit The supply unit is respnsible fr rdering, receiving, string and prcessing f all incident-related resurces, persnnel and supplies. The supply unit, when established, has the basic respnsibility fr all ff-incident rdering. This will include: All tactical and supprt resurces All expendable and nnexpendable supplies required fr incident supprt. OSD - 20

21 The supply unit als has the respnsibility fr prviding the lcatins and the persnnel t receive, prcess, stre, and distribute all supply rders. The supply unit will als have the respnsibility fr handling equipment peratins that include string, disbursing and servicing f all equipment and prtable nnexpendable supplies when required by the situatin. Facilities Unit The facilities unit is respnsible fr establishing, setting up, maintaining, and dembilizing all facilities used in supprt f incident peratins. The unit is als respnsible fr prviding any facility maintenance required. The facilities unit will set up the incident cmmunicatins center, as well as trailers and/r ther frms f shelters fr use in and arund the incident area. Oftentimes, the incident base and camps may be established in areas where there are existing structures that may be used ttally r in part. The facilities unit will als prvide and set up necessary persnnel supprt facilities that include: Feeding Areas Sleeping Areas Sanitatin/Shwer Areas The facilities unit will rder thrugh supply any additinal supprt items required like prtable tilets, shwer facilities, lighting units, and ther items needed. Grund Supprt / Transprtatin Unit The grund supprt unit is respnsible fr: Maintenance and repair f primary tactical equipment, vehicles, and mbile grund supprt equipment. Time reprting n all incident-assigned grund equipment including cntract equipment Fueling f all mbile equipment Prviding f transprtatin services is supprt f incident peratins except air Implementing f the Incident Traffic Plan The grund supprt unit, in additin t its primary functin f maintenance and services f all mbile vehicles and equipment will, n majr incidents, maintain a transprtatin pl. The transprtatin pl will cnsist f staff cars, buses, pickups, and ther vehicles that can be used fr purpses f transprting persnnel frm ne lcatin t anther. The grund supprt unit must als prvide the resurces unit with up-t-date infrmatin n the status f transprtatin vehicles, their lcatins, and capability. OSD - 21

22 Cmmunicatins Unit The cmmunicatins unit is respnsible fr the develping f plans t make the mst effective use f incident-assigned cmmunicatins equipment and facilities, the installatin and testing f all cmmunicatins equipment, supervisin and peratin f the incident cmmunicatin center, distributin and recvery f equipment assigned t incident persnnel, and the maintenance and n-site repair f cmmunicatins equipment. The cmmunicatins unit has a majr respnsibility fr effective cmmunicatins planning due t the ptential multi-agency uses. This is especially imprtant in determining required radi nets, establishing inter-agency frequency assignments, and ensuring that maximum use is made f all assigned cmmunicatins capability. The cmmunicatins unit leader shuld attend all incident planning meetings t insure that tactical peratins planning can be supprted by available incident cmmunicatins systems. Fd Unit The fd unit is respnsible fr determining fd and water requirements, menu planning, fd rdering, determining cking facilities, cking, serving and general maintenance f the fd service areas. On any incident, the supplying f efficient fd services is an extremely imprtant part f the incident peratins. The fd unit must be able t anticipate incident needs bth in terms f numbers f persnnel t be fed as well as any special feeding requirements due t the kind/lcatin f the incident. <+#>The fd unit will be respnsible fr supply the fd needs fr the entire incident including all remte lcatins such as camps and staging areas, as well as supplying fd service t peratins persnnel unable t leave tactical assignments. The fd unit must interact clsely with the plans sectin t determine persnnel requirements, the facilities unit fr fixed-feeding lcatins, the supply unit fr fd rdering, and the grund supprt unit fr supplying transprtatin services. Medical Unit The medical unit is primarily respnsible fr: Develping the Incident Medical Plan (fr respnders) Develping prcedures fr handling any majr medical emergency invlving incident persnnel Prviding rehab, medical aid and transprtatin fr injured and ill persnnel OSD - 22

23 Assisting in the prcessing f all paperwrk related t injuries r deaths r persnnel It is imprtant t establish a medical unit n majr incidents. The medical unit will have respnsibility fr all medical services fr respnders. The unit leader r designee will develp a medical plan that will frm a part f the incident actin plan. The medical plan shuld prvide specific infrmatin n medical aid capabilities at incident lcatins, infrmatin n ptential hazardus areas r cnditins, and prvide fr ff-incident lcatins and prcedures fr handling serius situatins. The medical unit will als assist the finance sectin in handling prcedures related t cmpensatin-fr-injury and paperwrk including written authrizatins, billing frms, witness statements, and administrative dcuments n medical situatins as required. Finance Sectin The finance sectin is established n incidents when the agency(s) wh are invlved have a specific need fr finance services. In sme cases where nly ne specific functin is required like cst analysis, a psitin culd be established as a technical specialist in the plans sectin. When a finance sectin is established n an incident, the fllwing units may be established as the need requires. Time Unit Prcurement Unit Cmpensatin/Claims Unit Cst Unit The finance sectin chief will determine, based n present and future requirements, the need fr establishing specific units. In certain f the functinal areas such as prcurement, a functinal unit need nt be established if nly ne persn wuld wrk in the unit. In that case, a prcurement fficer wuld be assigned rather than designating a unit. The finance sectin chief shuld be designated frm the jurisdictin/agency that has the requirement due t the specialized nature f the finance functins. The sectin chief may have a deputy. Time Unit The time unit is primarily respnsible fr insuring that daily persnnel time recrding dcuments are prepared and cmpliance t agency(s) time plicy is OSD - 23

24 being met. The time unit is respnsible fr ensuring equipment time reprting is accmplished in the lgistics sectin-grund supprt unit fr grund equipment, and in the peratins sectin-air supprt unit fr helicpters. If necessary, because f the agencies invlved, persnnel time recrds will be cllected and prcessed fr each peratinal perid. The time unit leader may desire t have ne r mre assistants wh are familiar with respective agency(s) time recrding plicies. Recrds must be verified, checked fr accuracy, and psted accrding t existing plicy. Excess hurs wrked must als be determined and separate lgs maintained. Prcurement Unit The prcurement unit is respnsible fr administering all financial matters pertaining t vendr cntracts. The prcurement unit will crdinate with lcal jurisdictins n surces fr equipment, prepare and sign equipment rental agreements, and prcess all administrative paperwrk assciated with equipment rental and supply cntracts. NOTE: In sme agencies, certain prcurement activities will be accmplished as a functin f the supply unit in the lgistics sectin. The prcurement unit will als wrk clsely with lcal cst authrities. Cmpensatin/Claims Unit In the ICS, cmpensatin-fr-injury and claims are included tgether within ne unit. It is recgnized that specific activities are different, and may nt always be accmplished by the same persn. Cmpensatin-fr-injury is respnsible t see all frms required by wrker's cmpensatin prgrams and lcal agencies are cmpleted. The persn perfrming this activity is als respnsible t maintain a file f injuries and illnesses assciated with the incident and t insure that all witness statements are btained in writing. Many f this unit's respnsibilities are dne r partially dne in the medical unit, and clse crdinatin with that unit is essential. The claims functin will be respnsible fr handling the investigatin int all civil trt claims invlving prperty assciated with r invlved in the incident. The unit will maintain lgs n claims, btain witness statements, dcument investigatins, and agency fllw-up requirements. Cst Unit The cst unit is respnsible fr prviding cst analysis data fr the incident. The unit must insure that all pieces f equipment and persnnel that require payment OSD - 24

25 are prperly identified, btain and recrd all cst data, analyze and prepare estimates f incident csts, and maintain accurate recrds f incident csts. The cst unit will be increasingly called upn t input t the planning functin in terms f cst estimates f resurce use. The unit must maintain accurate infrmatin n the actual cst fr the use f all assigned resurces. OSD - 25

26 INCIDENT ACTION PLANNING PROCESS In the incident cmmand system, cnsiderable emphasis is placed n develping effective incident actin plans. A planning prcess has been develped as a part f the ICS t assist planners in the develpment f a plan in an rderly and systematic manner. The steps utlined in this chapter will allw fr the develpment f an incident actin plan in a minimum amunt f time. Incidents vary in their kind, cmplexity, size, and requirements fr detailed and written plans. The planning prcess described in this chapter is based n the develpment f incident actin plans t supprt majr wildland fire incidents, but are applicable t any type emergency. Nt all incidents require detailed written plans. Recgnizing this, the fllwing planning prcess prvides a series f basic planning steps which are generally apprpriate fr use in any incident situatin. The determinatin f the need fr written incident actin plans and attachments is based n the requirements f the incident, and the judgement f the Incident Manager. GENERAL RESPONSIBILITIES The general respnsibilities assciated with the planning meeting and the develpment f the incident actin plan are described belw. The planning sectin chief shuld review these with the general staff prir t the planning meeting. Planning Chief Cnduct the planning meeting and crdinate preparatin f the incident actin plan. Incident Manager Prvide verall cntrl bjectives and strategy. Establish the prcedure fr ff-incident resurce rder. Apprve request fr ff-incident actin plan by signature. Apprve cmpleted incident actin plan by signature. Finance Chief Prvide cst implicatins f cntrl bjectives as required. Evaluate facilities being used t determine if any special arrangements are needed. OSD - 26

27 Ensure that the actin plan is within the finance limits established by the incident cmmander. Operatins Chief Determine divisin wrk assignments and resurce requirements. Lgistics Chief Ensure that incident facilities are adequate. Ensure that resurce rdering prcedure is made knwn t apprpriate agency dispatch center(s). Develp transprtatin system t supprt peratins needs. Ensure that sectin can lgistically supprt the actin plan. Place rder fr resurces. PREPLANNING STEPS Planning Sectin Chief - (If pssible btain cmpleted Incident Briefing Frm ICS 201] prir t the initial planning meeting.) Evaluate current situatin and decide if the current planning is adequate fr remainder f peratin al perid (i.e., until next plan takes effect). Advise incident cmmander and peratins chief f any suggested revisins t current plan as necessary. Establish planning cycle fr the incident cmmander. Determine planning meeting attendees with the incident cmmander. Fr majr incidents, attendees shuld include: Incident Manager Cmmand staff members General staff members Resurce unit leader OSD - 27

28 Situatin unit leader Air peratins branch directr Cmmunicatins unit leader Technical/Specialists (As Required) Agency representatives (As Required) Recrders Establish lcatin and time fr planning meeting. Ensure that planning bards and frms are available. Ntify necessary supprt staff (recrders etc.) f meeting and assignments. Ensure that a current situatin and resurce briefing will be available fr meeting. Obtain estimate f reginal resurces availability frm agency dispatch fr use in planning fr next peratinal perid. Obtain necessary agency plicy, legal r fiscal cnstraints fr use in planning meeting. CONDUCTING THE PLANNING MEETING The planning meeting is nrmally cnducted by the planning sectin chief. the checklist which fllws is intended t prvide a basic sequence f steps t aid the planning sectin chief in develping the incident actin plan. The planning checklist is intended t be used with the ICS planning Matrix bard, and/r ICS Frm Operatinal Planning Wrksheet. (The wrksheet is laid ut in the same manner as the planning matrix bard.) Every incident must have an actin plan. Hwever, NOT ALL INCIDENTS REQUIRE WRITTEN PLANS. The need fr written plans and attachments is based n the requirements f the incident and the decisin f the Incident Manager. CHECKLIST ITEM Briefing n situatin and resurce status Set cntrl bjectives PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITY PS IM OSD - 28

29 Plt cntrl lines and divisin bundaries Specify tactics fr each Divisin/Grup Specify resurces needed by Divisin/Grup Specify facilities and reprting lcatins plt n map Place resurce and verhead persnnel rder Cnsider cmmunicatins, medical and traffic plan requirements Finalize, apprve and implement incident actin plan OP OP OP,PS OP,PS,LS LS PS,LS PS,IM,OP Brief n Situatin and Resurce Status The planning sectin chief and/r resurces and situatin unit leaders shuld prvide an up-t-date briefing n the situatin as it currently exists. Infrmatin fr this briefing may cme frm any r all f the fllwing surces: Initial attack incident cmmander Incident Briefing Frm (ICS 201) Field bservatins Operatins reprts Fire behavir mdeling Reginal resurces and situatin reprts Set Cntrl Objectives This step is dne by the Incident Manager. The cntrl bjectives are nt limited t any single peratinal perid, but will cnsider the ttal incident situatin. The Incident Manager will establish the general strategy t be used, and state any majr plicy, legal r fiscal cnstraints in accmplishing the bjectives and apprpriate cntingency\ cnsideratins. Plt Cntrl Lines and Divisin Bundaries n Map This step is nrmally accmplished by the peratins chief (fr the next peratinal perid) in cnjunctin with the planning sectin chief wh will OSD - 29

30 determine cntrl line lcatins, establish divisin/branch bundaries fr gegraphical divisins, and determine need fr functinal grup assignments fr the next peratinal perid. These will be pltted n the map. Specify Tactics fr Each Divisin The peratins chief after determining divisin gegraphical assignments, will establish the specific wrk assignments t be used fr each divisin fr the next peratinal perid. (Nte that it may be necessary r desirable t establish a functinal grup in additin t gegraphical divisins.) tactics (wrk assignments) must be specific and must be within the bundaries set by the IM's general cntrl bjectives (strategies). These wrk assignments shuld be recrded n the planning matrix. the peratins chief, incident cmmander, and lgistics sectin chief shuld als at this time cnsider the need fr nay alternative strategies r tactics and see that these are prperly nted n the planning matrix. Specify Resurces Needed by Divisin The peratins chief AFTER specifying tactics fr each divisin and in cnjunctin with the planning sectin chief will determine the resurce needs by divisin t accmplish the wrk assignments. The resurce needs will be recrded n the planning matrix. Resurce needs shuld be cnsidered n basis f the type f resurce e required t d the assignment. Fr example, use Type 2 handcrews in certain divisin fr mp-up situatins, rather than Type 1 crews. The planning sectin chief shuld als ensure that the Air Operatins Summary (ICS 220) is being develped by peratins sectin chief r air peratin directr as apprpriate. The air peratins summary wrksheet brings tgether in ne place, all tactical and lgistical air assignments, with infrmatin n kinds and numbers f air resurces required, reprting lcatins, and designatin f resurces assigned. Infrmatin is btained frm ICS 215, the Operatinal Planning Wrksheet, and is used by planning, peratins, and lgistics in establishing the incident air prgram fr the next peratinal perid. Specify Operatins Facilities and Reprting Lcatins - Plt n Map The peratins chief in cnjunctin with planning and lgistics sectin chiefs shuld specify and facilitate lcatin needed t accmplish the peratins sectin wrk assignments. These will nrmally be staging areas and helispts. Depending upn the situatin, it may be apprpriate t establish a camp r helibase lcatin. Operatins shuld als at this time indicate the reprting time requirements fr the resurces and any special resurce assignments. OSD - 30