Which General Staff Member Prepares Incident Action Plans

Which General Staff Member Prepares Incident Action Plans? Understanding Incident Command System Roles

The Incident Command System (ICS) is a standardized, on-scene, all-hazards incident management system. It's designed to enable effective and efficient domestic incident management by integrating facilities, equipment, personnel, procedures, and communications operating within a common organizational structure. A crucial component of ICS is the development of Incident Action Plans (IAPs), which dictate the strategic and tactical objectives for managing an incident. But which general staff member is ultimately responsible for preparing these vital plans? The answer isn't straightforward, and depends on the complexity and size of the incident. Let's delve into the details.

The Planning Section and the IAP: A Deep Dive

The Planning Section Chief is the general staff member ultimately responsible for the development and maintenance of the Incident Action Plan (IAP). However, this responsibility isn't carried out in isolation. The Planning Section Chief leads a team and collaborates closely with other sections to gather the necessary information and develop a comprehensive and effective plan.

The Planning Section's Key Roles and Responsibilities:

• Developing the IAP: This is the core function. The IAP outlines the overall strategy, tactics, and resource allocation for managing the incident. It includes objectives, assignments, timelines, and communication protocols.
• Collecting and Analyzing Information: The Planning Section gathers information from various sources, including the incident scene, affected communities, and other agencies. This data informs the development of accurate and realistic IAPs.
• Maintaining Situational Awareness: The Planning Section constantly monitors the evolving situation to adjust the IAP as needed. This requires continuous communication with all sections and the Incident Commander.
• Resource Tracking and Allocation: The Planning Section tracks the resources deployed to the incident and coordinates their effective use based on the IAP.
• Documentation and Record Keeping: Maintaining accurate records of the incident, the IAPs, and resource allocation is essential for accountability and future analysis. This contributes to lessons learned and improved response capabilities.
• Preparing Briefing Materials: The Planning Section prepares briefings for the Incident Commander, other general staff, and participating agencies. These briefings ensure everyone is aligned with the current strategy and the IAP.
• Managing Information and Communication: Facilitating clear and effective communication between all involved parties is a significant part of the Planning Section's responsibility.

Beyond the Planning Section Chief: Collaboration is Key

While the Planning Section Chief holds the ultimate responsibility for the IAP, creating it is a collaborative effort. Other general staff members and specialized units contribute significantly:

• Operations Section Chief: Provides tactical input based on the operational needs at the incident scene. They determine the resources required to achieve the strategic objectives outlined in the IAP.
• Logistics Section Chief: Ensures the availability of resources outlined in the IAP. This includes personnel, equipment, supplies, and facilities. Any resource shortfalls must be communicated to the Planning Section.
• Finance/Administration Section Chief: Addresses budgetary concerns and tracks expenditures related to the incident response, ensuring adherence to the financial aspects of the IAP.
• Public Information Officer: Provides input regarding community needs and concerns, ensuring that the IAP considers public safety and communication strategies.

The IAP's Structure and Content: A Blueprint for Success

A well-crafted IAP is essential for effective incident management. Its structure typically includes:

• Incident Objectives: Clearly defined goals that the incident response aims to achieve. These are based on the overall incident situation.
• Strategic Goals: Broader, overarching objectives that guide the tactical actions.
• Tactical Objectives: Specific, measurable actions required to achieve strategic goals.
• Assignments: Specific tasks assigned to individual units or teams, outlining responsibilities and expected outcomes.
• Resource Allocation: A detailed list of resources (personnel, equipment, supplies) assigned to each task.
• Communication Plan: Defines how information will be shared among personnel, agencies, and the public.
• Safety Plan: Outlines procedures to ensure the safety of responders and the public.
• Medical Plan: Details medical care and evacuation procedures for injured personnel or victims.
• Demobilization Plan: Specifies how resources will be released and the incident concluded once objectives are met.
• Timeline: Provides a schedule for completing key activities.

Factors Influencing IAP Development: Complexity and Scale

The process of developing an IAP varies depending on the scale and complexity of the incident.

Small-scale incidents: A simple IAP might be sufficient, perhaps even a verbal plan communicated directly to personnel. The Planning Section Chief might have a smaller team, or even handle the plan's creation largely independently.

Large-scale, complex incidents: These require extensive planning, often involving numerous agencies and a large number of personnel. The IAP will be far more detailed and requires significant collaboration among the various sections, including extensive input from the Operations Section, which provides the tactical context. The Planning Section Chief will manage a larger team, potentially with specialized planners for different aspects of the incident. Regular updates and revisions to the IAP are expected as the situation evolves.

The Importance of Training and Expertise

The effectiveness of the IAP and, by extension, the entire incident response, hinges significantly on the training and experience of the Planning Section Chief and their team. They need to understand:

• ICS Principles: A thorough understanding of the ICS structure, roles, and responsibilities is crucial.
• Planning Techniques: Proficiency in various planning methods, including strategic and tactical planning.
• Risk Assessment: The ability to identify and evaluate potential hazards and risks.
• Resource Management: Effective allocation and management of resources.
• Communication Skills: Excellent communication skills are essential for effective collaboration and information dissemination.

Conclusion: Shared Responsibility, Unified Goal

While the Planning Section Chief holds the ultimate responsibility for creating the Incident Action Plan, it's a collaborative effort across all general staff within the ICS structure. The Operations Section provides the operational context, Logistics ensures resource availability, and Finance/Administration handles the financial aspects. Each section's input is crucial for creating a comprehensive and effective plan that ensures a successful incident response. The effectiveness of the IAP directly correlates to the preparedness and training of all involved personnel, underscoring the critical importance of continuous training and drills to maintain proficiency in ICS operations. The IAP serves as a living document, subject to revision as the incident unfolds, reflecting the dynamic nature of incident management. The focus remains on a unified goal: effectively and safely managing the incident to protect life, property, and the environment.