Incident Command System
Coordinating response resources from the various responding organizations is crucial to the safe and timely clearance of traffic incidents. This requires:
- Clear command hierarchy
- Designated responder roles and responsibilities
- Clear procedures
- The ability of all responders to communicate clearly and effectively
The Incident Command System (ICS), long familiar to public safety responders, is the heart of the National Incident Management System (NIMS) required by the Department of Homeland Security for the management of all hazards. ICS provides the framework for command, control, and coordination of resources at the scene of the emergency. An objective-based system, it emphasizes common terminology, integrated communications systems, and comprehensive resource management.
Model Procedure Guide for Highway Incidents
The Model Procedures Guide for Highway Incidents was developed in cooperation with the National Fire Service Incident Management System Consortium (NFSIMSC). The NFSIMSC has prepared six previous incident management model procedures guide, primarily for the firefighting audience. The guide specifies the command and control procedures for managing resources on scene at highway incidents. The guide establishes procedures by which the resources of various responding organizations are managed to resolve an incident. The potential target audience for this guide includes not only public safety, but also transportation and private sector agencies and organizations.
This guide was completed in 2003 and will be available for purchase from National Fire Protection Publications in mid-2004.
Incident Command Training Course
Building off the completed Model Procedures Guide for Highway Incidents, an ICS training course targeted specifically for transportation audiences will be developed. This training will include features of the National Incident Management System being developed by the Department of Homeland Security. A simplified guide to ICS will also be developed.
