Incident Command System

Question 1

What is the Incident Command System (ICS)?

Answer 1

A management tool for continuity of command from the arrival of the first company to the termination of the incident

It standardizes the command structure so personnel know what to expect and who is in command.

Question 2

Who is the Incident Commander (IC)?

Answer 2

The first officer who arrives at the incident and establishes Command

The IC is responsible for overall command throughout the incident duration.

Question 3

What is the role of the Safety Officer (ISO)?

Answer 3

To monitor and assess hazardous situations and ensure personnel safety

The Safety Officer’s position must be filled at all working incidents.

Question 4

What does the Planning Section (PS) do?

Answer 4

Responsible for collecting, evaluating, and using information regarding the incident’s development

It develops alternative strategies for control of the incident.

Question 5

What is the function of the Operations Section (OS)?

Answer 5

Responsible for developing and implementing tactics to carry out the Incident Commander’s strategic plan

The Operations Section Chief supervises tactical operations.

Question 6

What is the purpose of Staging in ICS?

Answer 6

A clear area for assembling apparatus and manpower awaiting instructions

It should be at least one block away from the incident.

Question 7

What is the Rest and Rehabilitation (R&R) area?

Answer 7

An area for firefighters to rest, obtain liquids, and have their medical status checked

It needs to be far enough removed from the incident for effective disassociation.

Question 8

What does the Public Information Officer (PIO) do?

Answer 8

Responsible for gathering and releasing information about the incident to the media

The PIO coordinates public information activities as directed by the Incident Commander.

Question 9

What is the role of the Liaison Officer (LO)?

Answer 9

Acts as the control point for all outside agencies

The Liaison Officer reports directly to the Incident Commander.

Question 10

What are Divisions in ICS?

Answer 10

Areas of responsibility assigned based on geographic location

Example: roof division, Side Charlie.

Question 11

What are Functional Groups or Units?

Answer 11

Areas of responsibility based on the nature of the task

Examples include search, venting, and extrication.

Question 12

True or false: The Incident Command System is designed to offer flexibility while maintaining unity of command.

Answer 12

TRUE

It allows for the transfer of Command to a senior officer when necessary.

Question 13

What are the three key responsibilities of the Incident Commander?

Answer 13

• Life Safety
• Incident Stabilization
• Property Conservation

The IC’s primary responsibility is the safety of all personnel involved in the incident.

Question 14

What must the Incident Commander maintain awareness of during an incident?

Answer 14

The personnel working at the incident

This includes assigning a member with a Safety Officer function to remain outside the hazard area.

Question 15

What is required when the manpower equals or exceeds a second alarm dispatch?

Answer 15

A written Incident Action Plan (IAP) is required

This applies to incidents extending to multiple operational periods.

Question 16

What does the Operations Officer do?

Answer 16

Responsible for developing tactics to implement the Incident Commander’s strategic plan

The Operations Officer supervises tactical operations necessary to control the incident.

Question 17

What is the primary responsibility of the Safety Officer?

Answer 17

To ensure the general welfare and safety of all personnel at the incident

The Safety Officer reports directly to the Incident Commander.

Question 18

Who supervises the tactical efforts of the incident?

Answer 18

Operations Officer

The Operations Officer may assign Branch Directors, Division/Group Supervisors, or Unit Leaders to assist in supervising company operations.

Question 19

What are the two areas into which Emergency Medical Services (EMS) can be divided?

Answer 19

• Medical Unit
• EMS Group

The EMS Group is under the supervision of the Operations Section Chief and supplies medical care to civilian casualties.

Question 20

What is the role of the Staging Officer?

Answer 20

Keep the Incident Commander aware of resource levels in staging

Staging should be at least one block away from the incident in an accessible location.

Question 21

The Logistics Section Chief is responsible for what?

Answer 21

• Providing support for the incident
• Coordinating departmental resources

Logistical support may be divided into Support Branch and Service Branch.

Question 22

What are the duties of the Planning Section Chief?

Answer 22

• Compile incident status information
• Develop alternative strategies and plans
• Prepare the Incident Action Plan (IAP)

The Planning Section Chief reports directly to the Incident Commander.

Question 23

What does the Finance/Administration Section handle?

Answer 23

• Time Unit
• Procurement Unit
• Compensation/Claims Unit
• Cost Unit

This section is established when finance and administrative support services are required.

Question 24

True or false: Radio traffic must be kept to a minimum for effective scene management.

Answer 24

TRUE

Clear, concise communication is essential, and messages should be repeated for confirmation.

Question 25

What should the **first arriving company** do upon arrival at an incident?

Answer 25

* Signal their arrival * Give a detailed scene size-up * Establish 'Command' for the incident ## Footnote All working incidents will be given a name to reduce confusion.

Question 26

What is the responsibility of the **Fire Marshal** during an incident?

Answer 26

Conduct investigations into cause and origin ## Footnote The Fire Marshal assists the Incident Commander in preserving evidence.

Question 27

Fill in the blank: The **EMS Group** is commanded by an _______.

Answer 27

EMS Officer ## Footnote The EMS Group supplies medical care and assistance to civilian casualties.

Question 28

What are the **three areas of concern** for the EMS Group?

Answer 28

* Treatment and triage * Casualty collection * Transport ## Footnote These areas are crucial for managing medical care during an incident.