Troy Fire Department Incident Command System

1. Troy Fire DepartmentIncident Command System Overview

2. ICS Philosophy • Applies to all participants • officers & firefighters • Can be used at any size incident • varying degrees of implementation • analogous to a tool box – use only the tool(s) the task requires

3. ICS Components • Common Terminology • Modular Organization • Integrated Communications • Risk Assessment • Incident Action Plan (IAP) • Span of Control

4. IC Responsibilities • Assessing Incident Priorities • Life Safety • Incident Stabilization • Property Conservation • Evaluating Level of Risk • Developing & Implementing IAP • Determining Strategy & Tactics

5. IC Responsibilities • Developing an Appropriate Incident Command Structure • Organizing • Assessing Resource Needs • Coordinating Overall Activities • Establish Appropriate Command Post

6. Risk Assessment • Continuous process throughout each incident • At a minimum, the risk analysis for a structure fire should consider: • Building characteristics • Fire factors • Risk to building occupants & fire fighters • Fire fighting capabilities

7. Staging Area – Level I • Location for initial assignment of units • Located on scene with apparatus • Staging manager must be assigned early in the incident who is responsible for: • tracking personnel • establishing RIT • informing IC of personnel status & any additional needed resources

8. Staging Area – Level II • Location for additional responding units • Apparatus & personnel not immediately needed – waiting for an assignment • Located nearby the scene • at an intersection • in a parking lot • Staging manager responsible for assembling units into crews until given an assignment

9. Division / Group / Crew • Organizational level responsible for operations in a specific geographical area or a specific functional assignment • Used Interchangeably with Task or Location Assigned • Interior; Fire Attack; Ventilation; etc. • Avoid using Crew 1, Crew 2, etc. • Supervisor responsible for safety and accountability of his/her personnel & coordination of assignment(s)

10. Division / Group / Crew • Given assignments from the IC, as part of the IAP, via the Staging Manager • Personnel • Radio designation & channel assignment • Assigned task • Supervisor must keep IC informed of progress and status within his/her area of responsibility • Accomplishing assigned task/IAP? • Communicate with Staging Manager for needed tools/equipment, not the IC

11. Division / Group / Crew • Should follow span of control guidelines (2-5 personnel) • Remain together throughout the duration of the task/assignment • Return to Level 1 Staging Area upon completion of task/assignment

12. Command Staff • At “working fire” incidents or large scale incidents of any nature, consideration must be given to assistance to the IC at the command post • Formulating an appropriate Incident Action Plan • Radio communications • Safety • Information

13. Safety • The Safety Officer position is implemented to oversee the safety of all incident scene operations • “Big Picture” view • Does not relieve Division / Group / Crew supervisors & individuals of their responsibility for safety of their assigned personnel

14. Safety • Safety Officer has the authority to immediately correct an unsafe situation • Can halt, suspend, or alter an operation if imminent danger is observed • Must inform the IC immediately of any such action

15. Information • Consideration must be given to addressing the needs of the media if they arrive at the scene. • Timely, accurate, and consistent information should be released to the media but not at the cost of sacrificing the IC/Command Staff’s incident command responsibilities. • The IC either assigns a Public Information Officer (PIO) or conducts these interviews him/herself.

16. ICS Summary • ICS can be applied on an as-needed basis depending upon the size & complexity of the incident • Understand the entire system but only apply what is necessary • Do not sacrifice established SOPs in order to “establish command” on the radio • Give an accurate size-up and implement an appropriate IAP first

17. ICS Summary • Use correct terminology • Whether the incident is small or large, thorough understanding of the ICS will ensure a safer, more effective approach to incident management & participation

18. ICS Example

19. ICS Example

20. ICS Checklist • _____ INITIATE INCIDENT COMMAND SYSTEM TACTICAL PLAN. • _____ SWITCH TO ALTERNATE (TACTICAL) RADIO CHANNEL(S). • _____ CONTINUE TO MONITOR CHANNEL RED-1. • _____ ESTABLISH COMMAND POST. LOCATION_______________ • _____ CONDUCT PRIMARY SEARCH. REPORT RESULTS WHEN APPROPRIATE. • _____ MAKE ASSIGNMENTS INCLUDING RADIO CHANNEL PER I.C.S. (SEE I.C.S. WORKSHEET 201.05) • _____ ESTABLISH STAGING AREA WITH MANAGER FOR ADDITIONAL UNITS. (SEE T.P. 210.03) • _____ PROVIDE "TROY FIRE" WITH PROGRESS REPORT AS NECESSARY. • _____ REPORT "UNDER CONTROL" WHEN APPROPRIATE, OR: • _____ CONSIDER ADDITIONAL ALARM; IF SO: • _____ ACTIVATE ADDITIONAL LEVELS OF INCIDENT COMMAND SYSTEM. (SEE I.C.S. WORKSHEETS 201.05) • _____ REQUEST MOBILE COMMAND VEHICLE WITH ADDITIONAL ALARM. • _____ NOTIFY FIRE FIGHTERS' AUXILIARY. • _____ NOTIFY 501 (MOTOR POOL) OF ADDITIONAL ALARM. • _____ NOTIFY WATER DEPT. IF NECESSARY.