Incident Command System

Besides fielding the everyday service call from a citizen, a report of a crime, or even a pursuit radioed in by an officer, a dispatcher should also be familiar with the procedures for handling larger-scale incidents. Fire departments have used the method for years--establish a standardized way of breaking an incident down into its component parts, and then assign one or more persons to each part. The fire service developed this concept into the Incident Command System (ICS), which is used throughout the United States by fire services, cities and counties. Law enforcement has been slow to recognize the benefits of ICS, but become part of an ICS operation by virtue of their job duties when a large-scale incident occurs. updated 9/20/07

We've assembled several resources for explaining ICS, showing you its structure, and pointing you to other sites that have information and resources.

First, check our explanation of What is the Incident Command System? You'll get an overview of the structure and benefits of using this method of operation.

Second, check our diagram of ICS for a graphic-oriented tour of the system. The chart also allows you to drill down to the individual ICS position and tasks, to familiarize you with how you may be involved.

Thirdly, browse the checklist of duties for ICS personnel for even more information about what each person in an ICS operation does.

Lastly, surf some of the Web resources on ICS to get a broader point of view on standardized operating procedures.

Outside Resources

  • ICS description, California Explorer Search & Rescue, excellent cross-linked job descriptions
  • FEMA ICS Course, the authoritative source of information, include Acrobat-format training materials
  • ICS vests, company markets identification gear
  • Pase Inc., status boards and materials for managing an ICS incident
  • ICS forms, from the Firescope Web site
  • Incident Dispatch page, Florida Incident Dispatch Teams, procedures, ICS forms and other info
  • ICS PowerPoint slide presentations from the Pan American Health Organization
  • The Wildland Fire Web site has a series of Powerpoint slide presentations on ICS
  • California's OES has a page on the Standardize Emergency Management System (SEMS), which incorporates the ICS principles, and which was the precursor to the National Incident Management System (NIMS) promoted by the federal government.
  • All Hands Consulting offers training in emergency management, including ICS, EOC design and procedures.
  • IEM, Inc. offers emergency operations center management training courses.
  • Davis Logic Inc. offers ICS and emergency center management courses, books and software.
  • National Incident Management System (NIMS) information from FEMA; developed post-Sept. 11th for nationwide use
  • NIMS on-line training courses from FEMA
  • National Incident Response Plan - standardized plan sponsored by the Department of Homeland Security [short version pdf] [long version pdf]
  • Incident Dispatch Web site, devoted to Incident Dispatchers, Incident Dispatch Teams and Tactical Dispatch Teams for fire, law enforcement, or medical dispatchers
  • U.S. Department of Transporation, "Simplified Guide to ICS for Transportation Professionals." [pdf]