Incident Command System implementation in disaster response scenarios

ICS

Any incident command system (ICS) must be created and executed for the specific problem that is at hand. In the scenario of the violent storms, that reach and destroy so many people and resources throughout Australia every year, an ICS for this example must also be designed to this very specific problems and the key features of this system should reflect this adaptation and implement general principles to the unique circumstances of this situation.

Any ICS will have several key features. The most primary and important of these key principles is establishing some form of command and control. The first arriving authority that is at the place of the storm disaster, should immediately begin the ICS. An command post, with communications and in a centrally located designation would be beneficial in this case. The command post should be located as close to ground zero as logistically possible.

Another key feature of an ICS is, after gaining as much data and information as possible, is to establish some incident objectives and goals. A focus point needs to be created in order to organize the effort in some coherent manner. For the storm scenario, the first incident objectives is to preserve the human life wherever possible. In most storm cases, once the storm has passed, most of the threat of new incident is severely lessened and rescue operations should begin as soon as that point is reached.

ICS must contain a strategy and way to tactically employ that strategy as well. A strong unity and chain of command must be established and followed if any of these ideas can actually come into fruition and begin assisting in alleviating the incident. Wise (2006) agreed with this when he wrote " hierarchy uses authority to create and coordinate a horizontal and vertical division of labor. Among the advantages of this mode of organization are that it provides a forum for employing large numbers of people and preserves unambiguous accountability for the work that they do." The disasters scene after a storm, must be essentially militarized and organized in such a way to effectively deal with the complexity and breadth of such an environment after a disaster storm.

Another key feature of an ICS is the ability to review the initial results and flex towards a better or different solution if the circumstances call for this action. Environmental conditions are always changing and an operative ICS must be willing to go beyond what has happened and look to the present and future for new ideas and shifts of resources. In this scenario, priorities should shift to cleanup and hazardous waste removal, only after security is established and all medical emergencies are properly being attended to by the appropriate personnel.

Question 2

The incident commander in the storm disaster scenario must include important objectives and goals that aim to alleviate the most serious and threatening problems that are present on the disaster site. The following objectives are a comprehensive attempt at relieving the varying problems of an storm incident;

Objective 1: Save Human Life

All goals and objectives should relate to the idea that human lives are to be saved first and foremost. This is the organizing principle of an incident action plan and must be taken into serious consideration by all workers within that system.

Objective 2: Prevent Further Destruction

This next objective can begin to be followed once objective 1 is under control and is being attended to in the right manner. Cleanup crews and hazardous materials crews must be employed to the suffering area as soon as possible. Bridges and other large infrastructures should be inspected. Trees and fallen buildings must be cleared and open routes of communication must be created.