The National Incident Management System (NIMS) is a framework created by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to improve the training, coordination, and management of emergency response activities. NIMS is a standardized approach to incident management that ensures interoperability and effectiveness when responding to emergency incidents. It can be used in a variety of emergencies including natural disasters, active shooters, terrorist attacks, etc.
Every day, localities and organizations work together to share resources, integrate tactics, and collaborate. Whether they are supporting each other in the same jurisdiction or from across the country, their success depends on a common approach to sharing resources, coordinating and managing incidents, and communicating information. An Incident Command System (ICS) benefits these organizations in the following ways:
Communication
It uses a common language that all facilities and response agencies can understand and recognize. When disaster strikes you may need the assistance of other response agencies. These organizations may have different training and ways of communicating. Using a standardized system eliminates this confusion altogether.
Standardization
Emergencies can be difficult to manage. They are not “business as usual”, meaning they place a lot of stress on the facility, including the management team and staff. ICS ensures that you are prepared, the facility maintains operations with minimal disruption, and that there are forms that create a consistent paper trail.
Scalable
Not every emergency requires an entire team of people. A simple incident may only need one person, the Incident Commander (IC), to take care of necessary tasks and answer questions. During a larger incident, the IC may add more Incident Management Team (IMT) positions. The IC decides to add IMT positions depending on the roles and responsibilities that are required.
Flexible
ICS can adapt to your facility's needs. Currently, the Hospital Incident Command System (HICS) and Nursing Home Incident Command System (NHICS) have been implemented at various locations. Both HICS and NHICS create an organizational structure and develop a road map to manage these incidents.
If you would like more information on ICS, visit the QuickSeries® library. Our guides break down ICS for higher education, HICS, and other facilities with helpful information, tools, and organizational charts.