Incident Management System by IMS Alliance - Operational Guidelines

Purpose

To establish procedures using the IMS Incident Management System for Government, private sector and non-governmental agencies, to manage all levels of emergency responses regardless of cause, size or complexity.

Scope

This guideline is applicable to all personnel using the IMS Alliance Accountability System.

Responsibilities

All personnel shall be familiar with this operating guideline and be able to implement the system. In addition personnel will be familiar with NIMS and/or related agency documents and/or procedures.

Objective

To provide an effective accountability system compliant with NIMS and/or related agency documents and procedures.

Features

• Strategic and tactical worksheet
• Common NIMS terminology
• Manageable span of control
• Incident specific
• Post incident documentation

Tasks

• Maximize efficiency and accountability
• Maintain manageable span of control
• Provide overall scene and personnel safety
• Manage on-scene resources
• Integrate communication procedures

Operations

• First arriving company will implement the IMS Alliance System and the Passport® or other integrated accountability system.
• The Incident Commander will assign positions dependent upon the manpower that is available at the given incident.
• The IMS Alliance System will be used from the start of an incident through the critique phase or phases.
• Agency or department will photograph IMS Alliance boards post incident to be used as a permanent record.
• IMS Alliance boards should be used during training sessions and actual incidents.

Scenario: Rescue type incident

The first arriving engine officer assumes Incident Command and proceeds to understand many important factors surrounding the rescue by using the IMS Accountability system. The first component of the system that should be put into play is the ‘Organizational Chart/Incident Command Checklist’ which is done immediately by the first arriving officer. Using the IMS Alliance system/boards prompts the I/C into understanding the following:

• Problems
• Strategies
• Tactics
• Resources

One of the first tasks is to follow the checklist on the reverse side of the boards. Starting this portion of the system makes certain the many important steps/benchmarks are met. Even though the disciplines and checklists vary from board to board the concept remains the same; meet the objective that will assist in a favorable outcome by maintaining the following:

• Accountability
• Safety
• Size Up
• Resources Needed
• Operations
• Termination

The next step in this incident is distribution of color coded vests and assignments based on manning resources. This element of the system furthers the accountability aspect by making it easy to ascertain assigned responsibilities because of vest color and vest title panels. Tactics are now being established by the assigned positions in the yellow areas of the boards, positions such as: Incident Commander Operations Logistics Planning Base Manager Safety

Many determinations are prompted by the system at this point with arriving units checking into the ‘Base Manager’ upon arrival. ‘Operations’ are establishing the ‘Division/Group’ leaders. In any rescue scenario there is strong consideration for the manning requirements needed for the rescue. These are coordinated with the red and green areas where the actual physical portion of the rescue work is performed.

During each phase the Passport Accountability System® is used which aides in the accountability facet. Each rescuer arrives with his or her Passport® that has that individual’s name embossed on the small Velcro backed tag. These tags are attached to a Velcro Passport® for each company. These unit identifiers with the rescuers’ Passport® tags attached are placed onto a Velcro strip on the back of the board being used. At this point either the unit identifier or individual Passport® tags are placed onto the assigned position that is established on the front of the board. This function allows for an orderly account of resources and personnel without cluttering the work areas of the board, this is done while maintaining complete accountability of personnel.

Once the event is completed and the critique finished, a digital picture of both sides of the board is taken. This can serve as a legal document for all agencies and individuals involved as well as a great training and critique tool.

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