Introduction to the Incident Command System: its history, features and principles, the NIMS management characteristics, and the roles of the Incident Commander, Command Staff and General Staff during emergency response.
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None. No prior ICS or emergency management training is required.
Personnel involved in emergency planning, response or recovery — including fire, law enforcement, EMS, healthcare, schools, government, public works, and private-sector safety and security teams.
6 modules · 19 lessons
Module 1
Course orientation, the purpose and history of ICS, and when the system is used.
Welcome and Course Objectives
What you will learn and how the course is organized.
What is the Incident Command System?
Definition, history, and the three purposes of ICS.
When and Where ICS is Used
Natural, technological and human-caused hazards, plus planned events.
Module 2
The management characteristics that make ICS effective and scalable.
The 14 NIMS Management Characteristics
Overview of the principles that define ICS operations.
Chain of Command, Unity of Command & Span of Control
How command flows, why it matters, and supervisor ratios.
Common Terminology & Integrated Communications
Standardized language and interoperable communications across agencies.
Module 3
How ICS organizes work by function and the facilities used to support response.
Organizing by Function: The Five Major Sections
Command, Operations, Planning, Logistics and Finance/Administration.
ICS Facilities and Common Terminology
Incident Command Post, staging areas, bases, camps and the common naming conventions.
Resource Management & Accountability
Resource typing, check-in, and maintaining personnel accountability.
Module 4
The role of the Incident Commander and the Command Staff officers who support command.
The Incident Commander and the Command Function
Responsibilities, qualifications and the authority of the Incident Commander.
Command vs. General Staff & Transfer of Command
Key distinctions and the process for safe, documented command transfer.
Public Information, Safety and Liaison Officers
The PIO, SOFR and LOFR roles and how they support the Incident Commander.
Management by Objectives
Setting incident objectives and the operational planning cycle.
Module 5
The four General Staff sections and the work they lead during an incident.
The Operations Section
The section that conducts tactical operations to achieve the incident objectives.
The Planning Section
Situation awareness, resource tracking and the Incident Action Plan.
The Logistics Section
Facilities, transportation, communications, supplies and food services.
The Finance/Administration Section
Cost documentation, procurement, time, compensation and claims.
Module 6
Applying ICS in your organization and completing the course assessment.
Applying ICS in Your Role and Organization
Using ICS across disciplines, agencies and jurisdictions.
Course Review & Final Knowledge Assessment
Summary of key concepts and the final assessment (minimum passing score 75%).
Course content
6 modules · 19 lessons
Build a solid foundation in the Incident Command System and respond with confidence.
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