Incident Command System Analysis
The Incident Command System (ICS) is composed of seven principals; standardization, functional specificity, manageable span of control, unit integrity, unified command, management by objectives, and comprehensive resource management. (Lindell, Perry, & Prater, 2007, p. 271). The basis of ICS is to promote agency interoperability by establishing framework for terminology, communications, and structure. Additionally, the system clearly defines all the roles each position has, groups individual/agencies of similar disciples together, and establishes a baseline span of control for effective management of personnel. Moreover, the system provides framework for establishing a unified command when an incident involves multiple agencies and/or stakeholders as well as effective method for tracking resources (personnel, equipment, facilities,
…show more content…
and vehicles) (Lindell et al., 2007, p. 271). Furthermore, ICS establishes required meetings to effectively get everyone involved to make an effective plan by establishing obtainable objectives. Overall, the ICS provides an elaborate standardized framework for combating large scale incidents. The ICS though effective has evolved into what is called the National Incident Management System (NIMS).
NIMS took elements of both the Incident Command System and Incident Management System to create a better system of management, however there are notable differences from the baseline ICS framework. First, NIMS adopted Incident Management System (IMS) element of command and control by Multi-Agency Coordination Center (MACS) which enables standup of Emergency Support Fuctions to expedite decision making process by putting agency representative with delegated decision making power under one roof similar to the Unified and Area commands of ICS (Lindell et al., 2007, p. 284). In addition, NIMS introduces standardization for training, exercises, qualification and certification, and the acquisition of resources (Lindell et al., 2007, p. 284). Lastly, NIMS establishes framework for resource management (inventory and standardization of naming) (Lindell et al., 2007, p. 284). Overall, NIMS lays the framework to be able to be effectively prepare for an incident, however the ICS and IMS provide the foundation for effective disaster
management. NIMS provide a framework to effectively prepare for incident, however there are many advantages and disadvantages. First, the system creates a standardize method of training and exercise which is not captured by the other systems. One disadvantage is that preparedness funding is tied to agencies implementing the system. This can negatively affect agencies that are not exposed to large scale incidents on a regular basis, therefore preventing them from obtaining valuable funding. Lastly, the system provides a method for effective resource management. By having resources tracked and inventoried agencies can readily identify location of resources and resource needs for acquisition of new and more advanced resources. Overall, NIMS is an effective system that has pros and cons, therefore it is best used in conjunction with ICS and IMS tailored to a given agency’s area of responsibility.
and vehicles) (Lindell et al., 2007, p. 271). Furthermore, ICS establishes required meetings to effectively get everyone involved to make an effective plan by establishing obtainable objectives. Overall, the ICS provides an elaborate standardized framework for combating large scale incidents. The ICS though effective has evolved into what is called the National Incident Management System (NIMS).
NIMS took elements of both the Incident Command System and Incident Management System to create a better system of management, however there are notable differences from the baseline ICS framework. First, NIMS adopted Incident Management System (IMS) element of command and control by Multi-Agency Coordination Center (MACS) which enables standup of Emergency Support Fuctions to expedite decision making process by putting agency representative with delegated decision making power under one roof similar to the Unified and Area commands of ICS (Lindell et al., 2007, p. 284). In addition, NIMS introduces standardization for training, exercises, qualification and certification, and the acquisition of resources (Lindell et al., 2007, p. 284). Lastly, NIMS establishes framework for resource management (inventory and standardization of naming) (Lindell et al., 2007, p. 284). Overall, NIMS lays the framework to be able to be effectively prepare for an incident, however the ICS and IMS provide the foundation for effective disaster
management. NIMS provide a framework to effectively prepare for incident, however there are many advantages and disadvantages. First, the system creates a standardize method of training and exercise which is not captured by the other systems. One disadvantage is that preparedness funding is tied to agencies implementing the system. This can negatively affect agencies that are not exposed to large scale incidents on a regular basis, therefore preventing them from obtaining valuable funding. Lastly, the system provides a method for effective resource management. By having resources tracked and inventoried agencies can readily identify location of resources and resource needs for acquisition of new and more advanced resources. Overall, NIMS is an effective system that has pros and cons, therefore it is best used in conjunction with ICS and IMS tailored to a given agency’s area of responsibility.