Define what is meant by Incident Command System as well as its component parts.

Question

What will be an ideal response?

Answer 1

The Incident Command Center (ICC) is created to provide unity of command when responding to an event. This is particularly important when responding to large events or events that encompass large periods of time such as barricaded persons, large fires, mass shootings, and tornados. The unified command (UC) concept is used in multi-jurisdictional or multi-agency incidents, to provide guidelines for agencies with different legal, geographic, and functional responsibilities to coordinate, plan, and interact effectively. The planning section collects, evaluates, and disseminates incident situation information and intelligence to the incident commander or unified command, prepares status reports, displays situation information, and maintains status of resources assigned to the incident. The logistics section is responsible for all support requirements needed to facilitate effective incident management: facilities, transportation, supplies, equipment maintenance and fuel, food services, communications and technology support, and emergency medical services. The Finance/Administration section is not required at all incidents, but will be involved where incident management activities require finance and other administrative support services—compensation/claims, determining costs, procurement, and so on. In addition, to the operational units within the ICC, there are three support units: public information officer, safety officer, and liaison officer.