How to Effectively Apply Incident Command System (ICS) to Emergency Response

The Incident Command System (ICS) is a standardized approach typically structured into five functional areas: Command, Operations, Planning, Logistics, and Finance. The system allows for the integration of personnel, facilities, equipment, procedures, and communications operating within an organizational structure. Knowledge of ICS should aid in the prevention or proper mitigation of industrial incidents. The authors are teaching the course “Hazardous Materials Incident Management” at OSU, which is designed to prepare students to manage hazardous materials emergencies through hands-on training. The presentation shows three designed scenarios and how the ICS is effectively applied by a group of students in our field trainings. Emergency response can be safely and effectively accomplished only when procedures are established and standardized through appropriate training. The close discussion with the industry will apparently help us the academia to prepare the next generation of both public and private sector emergency response personnel.