The Incident Command System (ICS) is a standardized approach to incident management that: Is used for all kinds of incidents by all types of organizations and at all levels of government; ICS is applicable to small incidents as well as large and complex ones. Can be used not only for emergencies but also for planned events. Enables a coordinated response among various jurisdictions and agencies. Establishes common processes for incident-level planning and resource management. Allows for the integration of resources (such as facilities, equipment, personnel) within a common organizational structure. When is ICS Used? can be used to manage any type of incident, including a planned event (e.g., the Olympics, the Governor's inauguration, state fairs, a local parade, etc.). The use of ICS is applicable to all types of incidents, regardless of their size or cause. National Incident Management System (NIMS) the management system used by federal, state, and local governments to manage emergencies in the United States. NIMS is organized into three major components: Resource Management Command and Coordination - including the Incident Command System Communications and Information Management The Incident Command System (ICS) has positively impacted incident management efforts by: Clarifying chain of command and supervision responsibilities to improve accountability. Leveraging interoperable communications systems and plain language to improve communications. Providing an orderly, systematic planning process. Implementing a common, flexible, predesigned management structure. Fostering cooperation between diverse disciplines and agencies. ICS helps to ensure: Safety of responders and others Achievement of tactical objectives Efficient use of resources Organizational Functions Major functions and functional units with incident management responsibilities are named and defined. They remain standard and consistent. Resource Descriptions Major resources - including personnel, equipment, teams, and facilities - are given common names and are "typed" with respect to their capabilities. Incident Facilities Common terminology is used to designate the facilities in the vicinity of the incident area. During an incident: Communications should use common terms. Organizations should avoid radio codes, agency-specific codes, acronyms, or jargon Usage of these types of codes may cause confusion or possibly compromise life safety due to a misunderstanding or misinterpretation modular fashion The responsibility for the establishment and expansion of the ICS modular organization rests with the Incident Commander