152 Chapter Two – Lesson Nine

Lesson 9: Diving into your ICS

Transferring the command

The process of transferring command according to the ICS (Incident Command System) method involves the following steps:

1. Initial briefing: The incoming incident commander (IC) meets with the outgoing IC to receive a briefing about the situation, resources, and actions taken so far.

2. Assessment: The incoming IC assesses the situation and identifies any gaps in the response effort.

3. Plan development: The incoming IC develops a plan to address any gaps identified and ensure that all resources are being used effectively.

4. Briefing and communication: The incoming IC briefs all personnel about the transfer of command and ensures that communication is established with all parties involved in the response effort.

5. Delegation: The incoming IC delegates responsibilities and tasks to the appropriate personnel.

6. Monitoring and evaluation: The incoming IC monitors the progress of the response effort and evaluates the effectiveness of the plan.

7. Documentation: The incoming IC ensures that all activities and actions taken are documented to maintain a clear record of the incident.

8. Demobilization: Once the incident is resolved, the incoming IC ensures that all resources are demobilized and returned to their original locations.

Overall, the process of transferring command according to the ICS method involves a clear and systematic approach, with effective communication and documentation at each step.

In incidents where multiple agencies are involved, the transfer of command is a crucial process that ensures seamless coordination and effective response. The transfer of command typically begins with an initial briefing on the extent of damage and probable response needs, and it involves the succession of the initial Incident Commander by higher-qualified or more experienced personnel.

To facilitate the transfer of command and minimize disruption, ICS provides procedures that can be used whenever personnel in supervisory positions change. Face-to-face communication, a full briefing, and an announcement of the effective date and time of the transfer are crucial elements of this process. Other reasons for transferring command include a change in the incident’s complexity, the availability of a more qualified person, or a jurisdiction or agency’s legal requirement.

During the transfer-of-command briefing, several critical pieces of information are shared, including the situation status, incident objectives, current organization, resource assignments, communications plan, and prognosis. When necessary, introduction of the new Command Staff and General Staff should also take place.

Overall, the transfer of command is an essential aspect of incident management that enables effective response efforts, regardless of the personnel changes that may occur during an incident.

The duties for both the initial commander on scene and the new incident commander

Initial Commander on Scene:

1. Size up the situation: The initial commander should quickly assess the situation as soon as they arrive on scene, taking note of critical information, potential hazards, the number of people involved, and potential resources that could be utilized.

2. Establish communication: The initial commander should begin establishing communication with all involved parties on the scene such as police, fire, EMS, witnesses, and bystanders.

3. Set up a command post: This should be the base of operations on the ground where the initial commander can oversee the entire incident and direct resources.

4. Determine resource needs: The initial commander must begin to decide what resources are needed and delegate team members to begin to procure them.

5. Identify and implement a primary strategy: Once the initial commander establishes a baseline understanding of the situation, they should immediately identify and begin to implement a primary strategy to handle the incident.

New Incident Commander:

1. Assume Command: The new incident commander must start by assuming command and establishing communication with all team members and stakeholders.

2. Assess Current Situation: The new incident commander should assess the current situation by reviewing information with the former commander, reviewing computer and paper records, and consulting with subordinates.

3. Review Objectives: The new incident commander should review the previously established objectives and see if they can be achieved, or if they need to be revised.

4. Develop a Plan: Based on the information and resources available, develop a new strategy and plan to handle the incident.

5. Allocate Resources: The new commander must allocate resources to carry out the plan, distribute assignments, and establish a system of accountability for all resources deployed.

6. Manage the Incident: The new commander will manage the incident and direct the team using a structured and well-organized progression of incident management activities, such as briefing, debriefing, situational awareness, communication, and coordination.

7. Maintain Documentation: Finally, the new incident commander will make sure to maintain accurate documentation to ensure proper reporting, evaluation, and analysis of the incident.

The general duties for the emergency response team

There are many different types of emergencies that could require the activation of an emergency response team. Whether it’s a natural disaster like an earthquake or wildfire, a human-made crisis like a terrorist attack or industrial accident, or a public health emergency like a pandemic, the emergency response team and their leader have certain general duties that must be fulfilled in order to effectively manage the situation.

One of the primary responsibilities of the emergency response team is to assess the situation and gather crucial information about the emergency. This might involve identifying the scope of the crisis, determining the severity of the threat, and evaluating the potential risks to public safety. The team will need to coordinate with local authorities, emergency services, and other relevant stakeholders in order to gather this information and develop an appropriate response plan.

Once the team has a better understanding of the situation, they will need to implement their response plan. This may involve a variety of tasks and procedures, depending on the nature of the emergency. For example, in the case of a natural disaster, the team may need to set up shelters, distribute food and water, and provide medical care to those who have been injured. In a terrorist attack, the team may need to secure the area, evacuate civilians, and provide support to law enforcement and other emergency responders.

Throughout the emergency response, the team leader has a critical role to play in coordinating the efforts of the team and ensuring that everyone is working together effectively. The team leader must be able to make quick decisions based on incomplete or rapidly changing information, communicate clearly and effectively with team members and other stakeholders, and delegate tasks to ensure that everyone is working together towards a common goal.

In addition to these general duties, there may be specific tasks that the emergency response team and their leader are responsible for based on the type of emergency at hand. For example, in a public health emergency, the team may be responsible for tracking the spread of a virus and implementing measures to prevent further transmission. In a natural disaster, the team may need to coordinate with search and rescue teams to help locate and rescue survivors.

Regardless of the type of emergency, however, the emergency response team and their leader play a crucial role in managing the crisis and providing support and assistance to those affected. By working together, these individuals can help to minimize the impact of a crisis and ensure that the community is able to recover as quickly and effectively as possible.

The process and procedures during an emergency

During an emergency situation, the process and procedures for emergency radio traffic is crucial to ensure that communication is clear, concise, and effective. The following are some key elements involved in this process:

Evacuation Signals:
If an evacuation order is issued, emergency radio traffic will indicate specific evacuation signals. Depending on the situation, different signals may be used. For example, a fire alarm would indicate immediate evacuation while other signals like “run, hide, fight,” would indicate a lockdown instruction, for situations like an active shooter.

MAYDAY:
If an emergency responder or a firefighter is in distress, they can declare a “MAYDAY” call via emergency radio traffic. This communication signals that an emergency responder, or another individual, is in immediate danger, and they need immediate assistance.

Status Reports:
Status reports are an important part of emergency radio traffic. Status reports detail situation updates, evacuations, and how the emergency services team is handling a particular situation, including communication updates to keep individuals informed of ongoing activities and changes.

Strategic Transitions:
When dealing with a significant emergency situation, strategic transitions are made to improve the response plan. This means, if initially, the situation was approached defensively, which means the emphasis was on protecting individuals from whatever source of danger, and response focused on reducing damage or exposure to threats. The transition to offensive would aim at eliminating and stopping the threat by neutralizing the source or threat. The strategy transitions must occur through emergency radio traffic, including clear communication about changes in command, the new approaches, and the reasons behind them.

Overall, emergency radio traffic plays a vital role in emergency situations. It is necessary that individuals follow the process and procedures to ensure clarity and efficiency, reducing potential threats and dangers.

The most efficient communicating system for emergency scene operations is the two-way radio, which needs to have enough channels for command, tactical, and support functions. Radios should be used with widely recognized procedures and terminology, good manners, and a professional approach. A personnel accountability system should be in place to track all personnel working at an incident. There are procedures for emergency radio traffic, transmission priority, and evacuation signals. The Provincial Mobile Communications Centre (PMCC) operates the Integrated Radio Communications System (IRCS) and provides call answering, dispatch, and alerting services for emergency and volunteer agencies. Telephone and radio interconnect procedures exist for connecting to the PMCC and an emergency call can be made from any radio with a keypad by pressing 9#.