The (ICS) is a standardized approach to the command, control, and coordination of emergency response, providing a common hierarchy within which responders from multiple agencies can operate effectively. It was initially developed to address problems of inter-agency responses to wildfires in California and has since evolved into use in all-hazards situations, including active shootings and hazmat scenes. ICS is now a component of the National Incident Management System (NIMS) in the US and has been adopted internationally as a model for similar approaches.

ICS consists of a standard management hierarchy and procedures for managing temporary incidents of any size. It includes pre-established procedures for selecting and forming temporary management hierarchies to control funds, personnel, facilities, equipment, and communications. The system relies on a functional hierarchy rather than a rank-based one, ensuring that the most appropriate individuals are assigned to specific roles based on their expertise and training.

The ICS structure typically includes several key roles:

• Incident Commander: The senior responder who sets response objectives and delegates tasks to subordinate positions. They are responsible for making tactical decisions necessary to stabilize or end the emergency.

• Silver Commander: Translates strategies from the Gold Commander into tactical actions.

• Bronze Commander: Directly controls the jurisdiction’s resources at the incident.

• Gold Commander: Develops incident response strategies and controls resources from a distant command center.

Reliable communications between the Emergency Operations Center (EOC) and the incident commander are essential for effective coordination. The EOC is responsible for strategic decisions and resource allocation among multiple incidents, while the incident commander focuses on tactical operations at the scene.

ICS is designed to be scalable, allowing it to be adapted to any size event and ensuring common terminology, efficient resource use, and personnel and patient safety. It is a critical tool for emergency management, enabling seamless collaboration among responders from multiple jurisdictions and promoting unified and efficient responses to emergencies.

The system is widely used in emergency response and is required by law or industry standards for many organizations. Even if an organization does not have an Emergency Response Team (ERT), business owners and managers should be aware of the methods and protocols, such as ICS, used by local jurisdictions to manage emergencies.