Incident Command System

2017 has seen many challenges to first responders nationwide. These include terrorist attacks, hurricanes, wildfires, and other mass response situations. These had great responses by first responders. This is due in part to the creation of the Incident Command System (ICS). This system allows for communication between different agencies and allows for a better response to mass incidents. According to Wikipedia there are 5 key concepts. These are unity of command, common terminology, management by objective, flexible and modular organization, and span of control (Wikipedia).
The first concept of unity of command, allows distinguished leadership and allows for minimal confusion when assigning and carrying out roles. This allows units at the
This concept has different agencies adopt key words and actions so that that distribution of resources is easier. These keywords may be used for codes, vehicles, or actions by personnel. Not only using keywords and terms but also using plain talk, instead of ten codes, or other codes first responders use. This concept will help keep clarity in a rapidly evolving situation. The third concept is management by objective in which objectives are laid out and a plan on how to achieve them is created. The fourth concept is flexible and modular organization. In a training guide published by FEMA defines modular organization as “The Incident Command organizational structure develops in a modular fashion that is based on the size and complexity of the incident, as well as the specifics of the hazard environment created by the incident.” (Incident Command System 3). Organization is important because of course, without organization, this flexibility is important because as the situation changes so does the priorities and functions of the ICS. As the active situation is secured, resolved, or terminated, the ICS will go from responding to investigating the incident and informing press about the incident as well. The last key concept is span of control.
A small-scale event will have fewer levels of organization than a large-scale event such as an active shooter. As such, basic branches and positions will be explained. At the top there is the Command branch which oversees the whole operation. This usually includes the incident commander and other supporting leaders. Other roles will be created and may include leaders in all of the following; fire, emergency medical services and police. In the chapter labeled Emergency Management 4 of the PHE (Public Health Emergency) website, 4 other branches are presented. These are the branches of “Operations, Planning, Logistics, and Administration/Finance” (Emergency