Incident Command

Standardized procedures for handling incidents are contained in the National Incident Management System (NIMS) requirements.  NIMS incorporates the organized Incident Management structure, whereby each event has an Incident Commander (IC).  The IC is the on-scene commander for coordination of the event, and is routinely the senior official on scene, although there are exceptions.  In most instances, a stationary Incident Command Post (ICP) will be established as the central control point of the incident.

Large scale incidents where several agencies of different disciplines must work together, will operate under a Unified Command system  (UC).  In these instances, Fire, EMS, Law Enforcement and other agencies will each report to different individuals, who are working in unison as the command and control structure at the ICP.

Incident Commanders oversee the entire operation, and will designate specific individuals to oversee specific areas of operation.  The IC has the responsibility to oversee Operations, Logistics, Planning and Finance with regards to the incident.

On large scale incidents, the Emergency Operations Center (EOC) may be activated to remove many of the practical applications from the IC so that they can concentrate on management of the incident, while the EOC performs the manual tasks associated with logistical support.

Public Safety personnel, paid and volunteer are trained in the Incident Command System, and are also required to be trained in the National Incident Management System.