Ics and Eoc Principles as it Applied to WMD

ICS and WMD

ICS Procedures during a Chemical Attack

The Incident Command System (ICS) is a an approach to all-hazards incident management that is standardized and on-scene, and can be used for incidents of any scope, type, or complexity. This system allows for the integration of personnel, equipment, facilities, communications, and procedures that operate within a common organizational structure. When established, the ICS will coordinate responses from among various public and private jurisdictions and agencies, establishing a common system for planning and managing resources. ("Incident Command System") ICS is usually structured into five areas: Command, Operations, Planning, Logistics, and Administration, with a sixth area: Intelligence/Investigation being an option that can be used when appropriate. ("Incident Command System")

The system makes use of what are known as Incident Management Teams (IMTs) which are described as a "comprehensive resource to either augment ongoing operations,… or to include all components/functions of a Command and General Staff." ("Incident Command System") In effect, an "Incident Management Team" is just what the title says, a team of people that can manage an emergency incident. This team will include a commander and general staff members, support staff, authority and responsibility to deal with the emergency. This team is available at any time and has predetermined jobs and responsibilities for each of its members.

The Federal Emergency Management Administration (FEMA) has created a number of Emergency Operations Centers (EOCs) which are designed as "flexible, sustainable, strategically located, and fully interoperable," and "with a focus on addressing identified deficiencies and needs." ("Emergency Operations Center") In short, these centers are locations that provide all the necessary equipment and staff to manage an emergency situation.

In the event of an emergency incident, for example a chemical attack at a carnival, there are a number of procedures that the Incident Command System will initiate. Chemical agents can be aerosols, liquids, or solids that have a toxic effect on people, and can be released by bombs, aircraft, boats, and vehicles. Signs of a chemical attack include "people having difficulty breathing, experiencing eye irritation, losing coordination, becoming nauseated, and having a burning sensation in the nose, throat, and lungs." ("Chemical Threats")

When first arriving on the scene, the ICS dictates that the first arriving commanding officer assume the role of Incident Commander (IC) and announce over the radio that they have assumed command and that ICS procedures are now in effect. It is important that all personnel involved in the incident, from emergency personnel on scene, to dispatchers and other support staff, that a chain of command has been established in accordance with the procedures of the ICS. The IC will need to take an evaluation of the situation, and give a summary report to the dispatch personnel. Besides the human effects, the IC will want to search the immediate area for the presence of dead or dying animals, birds, or insects. This will be an indication that a chemical attack has indeed occurred.

Once it has been determined that a chemical attack has occurred, the IC will need to decide whether or not to use an offensive strategy, or defensive one. In other words, should the IC begin to act to counteract the damage, or should they simply try to contain the damage as best they can. The IC will need to determine how large of an area has been effected, and what the environmental conditions surrounding the area. Things like wind direction and speed will determine how far the chemical will spread and how fast it can be dispersed. Once they establish a tactical approach to dealing with the incident, the IC will need to establish tactical priorities, and most importantly they will want to remove the endangered occupants, treat the injured, and conserve as much property as possible. Providing for the safety of the emergency personnel, the IC will need to make tactical assignments and create an effective incident command structure. ("ICS: Command Procedures")

The first thing the IC will want to do once they decide on a course of action will be to isolate the area, and evacuate as many people as possible in the shortest time. Those that are not effected need to evacuate the area before they too succumb to the attack, and those who are effected will need medical treatment as soon as possible. The immediate area will also need to be isolated so no more people can be exposed to the chemical attack, which, depending upon wind direction and speed, may involve evacuating the surrounding area. Emergency personnel from all over the area, particularly firemen and paramedics, will need to be notified that a chemical attack has occurred and their services are needed. Local hospitals will also need to be notified so they can implement the Hospital Emergency Incident Command System. This is a system that will notify and organize hospital personnel so that they can treat the victims of the chemical attack in an organized and efficient manner. (Gum, 2011)