The effect of training on disaster response: Lessons learned from recent events

2008 ◽  
Vol 6 (5) ◽  
pp. 57
Author(s):  
Hessam M. Afshari, BS ◽  
Paul N. Cervone, MD, LTC ◽  
Mark J. Seaton, PhD ◽  
Miley A. Taylor, BA ◽  
Bruce S. Rudy, DEd
Keyword(s):  
Emergency Preparedness ◽  
Disaster Response ◽  
Training Programs ◽  
Lessons Learned ◽  
Incident Command System ◽  
Incident Command ◽  
Different Response ◽  
Training Exercises

National attention to emergency preparedness has resulted in the development of numerous tabletop and exercise-based training programs for responders. The importance of this type of training with respect to the effectiveness of disaster response, while not in doubt, is difficult to measure. Here, we examined after action reports (AARs) from a variety of disasters in an attempt to determine what, if any, effect training has had on the response to a particular event and on disaster response in general.We also examined AARs and lessons learned from two training exercises. Possibly, the most significant effect of training was the opportunity for people from different response units to interact as a team. Exposure to the Incident Command System was vital to the smooth deployment of assets.

scholarly journals (A226) Establishing a Framework for Synchronizing Critical Decision Making with Information Analysis during a Health/Medical Emergency

2011 ◽  
Vol 26 (S1) ◽  
pp. s61-s61 ◽  
Author(s):  
J. Paturas ◽  
J. Pelazza ◽  
R. Smith
Keyword(s):  
Decision Making ◽  
Emergency Preparedness ◽  
Disaster Response ◽  
The United States ◽  
Medical Emergency ◽  
Incident Management ◽  
Local Health ◽  
Information Analysis ◽  
Incident Command ◽  
State And Local

BackgroundThe Yale New Haven Center for Emergency Preparedness and Disaster Response (YNH-CEPDR) has worked in the United States with state and local health and medical organizations to evaluate critical decision making activities and to develop decision making tools and protocols to enhance decision making in a time sensitive environment. YNH-CEPDR has also worked with international organizations and US federal agencies to support situational awareness activities in simulated and real world events.ObjectivesDuring this session YNH-CEPDR will share the best practices from recent events such as the H1N1 response and the Haiti Earthquake. Participants will be engaged in discussions regarding overall framework for successful information collection, analysis and dissemination to support decision making based on these experiences. This session will also incorporate concepts provided by the US National Incident Management System (NIMS) and the Incident Command System (ICS), specifically through the development of Situational Reports (SitReps), Incident Action Plans (IAP) and Job Action Sheets as methods to implement the framework and concepts discussed. Participants will be led through a series of scenario-based discussions to allow application of critical decision making factors to their organization. At the conclusion of the session, participants will be able to identify next steps for enhancing the synchronization of critical decision making and information analysis within their organizations.

scholarly journals Beyond ICS: How Should We Govern Complex Disasters in the United States?

2019 ◽  
Vol 16 (2) ◽  
Author(s):  
Branda Nowell ◽  
Toddi Steelman
Keyword(s):  
Disaster Response ◽  
Large Scale ◽  
National Policy ◽  
The United States ◽  
Network Governance ◽  
Governance Structures ◽  
Incident Command System ◽  
Incident Command ◽  
Complex Disasters ◽  
Private Actors

Abstract The complexity of large-scale disasters requires governance structures that can integrate numerous responders quickly under often chaotic conditions. Complex disasters – by definition – span multiple jurisdictions and activate numerous response functions carried out by numerous legally autonomous public, nonprofit, and private actors. The command operating structure of the Incident Command System (ICS) is a hierarchical structure used to manage complex incidents. Increasingly, complex disasters are seen as networks of multiple actors. Improving our capacity to respond to large-scale, complex disasters requires moving beyond the “hierarchy versus networks” debate to understand the conditions under which governance structures can best serve disaster response goals. Understanding the capabilities and limitations of the governance structures embedded in our national policy tools and frameworks can enhance our ability to govern effectively in networked contexts. In this article, we suggest the need to shift focus to build greater capacity for hybrid and network governance approaches, including a more sophisticated understanding of the conditions under which these governance forms are most effective.

ICS CONTRIBUTES TO THE NORTH CAPE OIL SPILL RESPONSE1

1997 ◽  
Vol 1997 (1) ◽  
pp. 737-742
Author(s):  
LT Tina M. Burke ◽  
LT John P. Flynn
Keyword(s):  
Oil Spill ◽  
Management System ◽  
Lessons Learned ◽  
Coast Guard ◽  
Management Tool ◽  
Incident Management ◽  
Incident Command System ◽  
Incident Command ◽  
The North ◽  
Oil Spill Response

ABSTRACT In recent years, the usefulness of the incident command system (ICS) has received much attention. Much of the oil industry and several government agencies involved in all types of emergency response have been using ICS for many years. In addition, the U.S. Coast Guard formally adopted the national interagency incident management system (NIIMS) ICS as the response management system of choice in February of 1996. The response to the tank barge North Cape grounding was a complex multiagency effort that brought with it many of the issues and problems responders face when dealing with crisis situations. This paper describes the ICS-based organization that was established to respond to the major North Cape oil spill, analyzes the organization compared to standard ICS, and discusses how the ICS framework and principles contributed to the success of the response. It also explains how closer conformity to standard ICS could have remedied many of the issues that later surfaced as lessons learned, resulting in improved response efficiency. The North Cape response provides a vivid example of how ICS is a helpful management tool that, if rigorously learned and applied in a widespread fashion, can greatly enhance the nation's oil spill response posture.

scholarly journals California's Stakeholder Matrix: A Liaison Tool for the first 96 hours of Response

2021 ◽  
Vol 2021 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Yvonne Najah Addassi ◽  
Cassidee Shinn
Keyword(s):  
Risk Communication ◽  
Stakeholder Engagement ◽  
Policy Development ◽  
Oil Spills ◽  
Lessons Learned ◽  
Liaison Officer ◽  
California Department ◽  
Incident Command System ◽  
Incident Command ◽  
High Level

ABSTRACT Research on crisis and risk communication continues to illustrate the need for and benefits of early and sustained stakeholder engagement during disasters, both natural and manmade. The California citizenry is deeply committed to environmental protection and expects to “engage” with their government on policy development and environmental solutions. Stakeholders expect a high-level of government transparency, driving the need for engagement even more during emergency responses such as oil spills. Within the Incident Command System (ICS), it is the responsibility of the Liaison Officer (LOFR) to coordinate and share information with stakeholders. A review of “After Action Reports” and “lessons learned” from oil spills, both nationally and within California, point to the continued need for strong stakeholder engagement by the LOFR and has become a priority of California's lead oil spill response agency, the California Department of Fish and Wildlife, Office of Spill Prevention and Response (OSPR). Building off stakeholder engagement tools found in crises and risk communication literature and in Incident Command System job aids, OSPR crafted a stakeholder matrix that was readily scalable, easy to use, and easy to translate to Incident Commanders and other Command Staff during response. This matrix is a template of simple inputs, allowing stakeholders and engagement strategies to be identified, grouped, and prioritized. It is intended to be a planning tool for the first 24–96 hours, a precious time in a response. It is often too early to expect the LOFR to have completed a stakeholder engagement plan, yet this time is critical to initiating early stakeholder communication that will set the tone for the response. This matrix serves as the initial plan for the LOFR. This paper will describe the development of this tool, its evolution, and its use. It will also highlight feedback from exercises and response partners. It will describe the flexibility and scalability, and considerations for broader applications.

scholarly journals Use of Incident Command System for Disaster Preparedness: A Model for an Emergency Department COVID-19 Response

2020 ◽  
pp. 1-6 ◽  
Author(s):  
Andra Farcas ◽  
Justine Ko ◽  
Jennifer Chan ◽  
Sanjeev Malik ◽  
Lisa Nono ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Emergency Department ◽  
Disaster Preparedness ◽  
Disaster Response ◽  
Large Scale ◽  
Disaster Plan ◽  
Incident Command System ◽  
Incident Command ◽  
Optimal Coordination ◽  
Multiple Challenges ◽  
Operations Center

ABSTRACT The COVID-19 pandemic has placed unprecedented demands on health systems, where hospitals have become overwhelmed with patients amidst limited resources. Disaster response and resource allocation during such crises present multiple challenges. A breakdown in communication and organization can lead to unnecessary disruptions and adverse events. The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) promotes the use of an incident command system (ICS) model during large-scale disasters, and we hope that an institutional disaster plan and ICS will help to mitigate these lapses. In this article, we describe the alignment of an emergency department (ED) specific Forward Command structure with the hospital ICS and address the challenges specific to the ED. Key components of this ICS include a hospital-wide incident command or Joint Operations Center (JOC) and an ED Forward Command. This type of structure leads to a shared mental model with division of responsibilities that allows institutional adaptations to changing environments and maintenance of specific roles for optimal coordination and communication. We present this as a model that can be applied to other hospital EDs around the country to help structure the response to the COVID-19 pandemic while remaining generalizable to other disaster situations.

Lessons Learned From Implementing an Incident Command System During a Local Multiagency Response to a Legionnaires’ Disease Cluster in Sydney, NSW

2017 ◽  
Vol 12 (4) ◽  
pp. 539-542 ◽  
Author(s):  
Emma Quinn ◽  
Travers Johnstone ◽  
Zeina Najjar ◽  
Toni Cains ◽  
Geoff Tan ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Public Health ◽  
Health Risk ◽  
Environmental Health ◽  
Lessons Learned ◽  
Effective Response ◽  
Public Health Risk ◽  
Incident Command System ◽  
Incident Command ◽  
Disease Cluster ◽  
Legionnaires Disease

AbstractThe incident command system (ICS) provides a common structure to control and coordinate an emergency response, regardless of scale or predicted impact. The lessons learned from the application of an ICS for large infectious disease outbreaks are documented. However, there is scant evidence on the application of an ICS to manage a local multiagency response to a disease cluster with environmental health risks. The Sydney Local Health District Public Health Unit (PHU) in New South Wales, Australia, was notified of 5 cases of Legionnaires’ disease during 2 weeks in May 2016. This unusual incident triggered a multiagency investigation involving an ICS with staff from the PHU, 3 local councils, and the state health department to help prevent any further public health risk. The early and judicious use of ICS enabled a timely and effective response by supporting clear communication lines between the incident controller and field staff. The field team was key in preventing any ongoing public health risk through inspection, sampling, testing, and management of water systems identified to be at-risk for transmission of legionella. Good working relationships between partner agencies and trust in the technical proficiency of environmental health staff aided in the effective management of the response. (Disaster Med Public Health Preparedness. 2018;12:539–542)

RESPONSE INFORMATION FLOW MANAGEMENT: CONSIDERATIONS FOR PLANNING AND TRAINING

1997 ◽  
Vol 1997 (1) ◽  
pp. 865-870
Author(s):  
Christopher Hall ◽  
John Murphy ◽  
LCDR Bradford Benggio
Keyword(s):  
Information Management ◽  
Information Flow ◽  
Information Needs ◽  
Lessons Learned ◽  
External Information ◽  
Incident Command System ◽  
Incident Command ◽  
Response Information ◽  
Management Procedures ◽  
Flow Of Information

ABSTRACT Spill responses are information-intensive events. The Incident Command System (ICS) does not adequately address the concepts and techniques of response information management, particularly the internal information flow used to manage the response. Automated systems based on Incident Command System forms do not provide the solution. Response information management procedures must be planned. Both internal and external information needs must be identified so that resources can be allocated to ensure effective information flow. Personnel at all levels in a response need to understand the concept of proactive, aggressive information management. This paper reviews lessons learned from spill exercises and actual spill responses over the past 5 years. It also discusses considerations for improving the flow of information within the ICS. It recommends specific training and planning guidelines for gathering, displaying, and distributing response information.

Disaster Management and Response Strategy in Urban Public Safety of the U.S.A

2011 ◽  
Vol 467-469 ◽  
pp. 7-12 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mao Sheng Ye ◽  
Qin Xian Jin ◽  
Yu Tian Wang
Keyword(s):  
Disaster Response ◽  
Response Strategy ◽  
Incident Management ◽  
Industrial Accidents ◽  
Incident Command System ◽  
National Incident Management System ◽  
Incident Command ◽  
Governmental Organizations ◽  
Urban Public Safety ◽  
National Preparedness

This presentation is intended to provide response managers and others with an understanding of national preparedness and response system that is in place to address emergencies involving industrial accidents, natural disasters, public health and social securities. This paper describes a list of important competencies that have been identified and used for effective disaster response and the management and response procedures of a typical incident in USA, taking 2008 flood in Illinois as an instance. Using the concept of National Incident Management System (NIMS) and Incident Command System (ICS), Incident Management Teams (IMTs) were trained and established in Illinois. These organizations were deployed into various positions so as to assist the governmental organizations at different levels in planning, commanding, decision making, etc.

Current Issues Regarding the Incident Command System in the Philippines

2015 ◽  
Vol 10 (2) ◽  
pp. 238-245 ◽  
Author(s):  
Miho Ohara ◽  
◽  
Hisaya Sawano
Keyword(s):  
Local Government ◽  
Disaster Management ◽  
Disaster Response ◽  
The Philippines ◽  
Current Status ◽  
Incident Command System ◽  
Incident Command ◽  
Response System ◽  
Local Government Level ◽  
Government Level

The First Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Committee on Disaster Management Meeting established a framework for ASEAN-US cooperation on the Disaster Management Program in 2003, focusing on capability building for the Incident Command System (ICS). The ICS was then adopted as part of the on-scene disaster response system in the Republic of the Philippines as enacted by the Philippine Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Act in 2010. This study investigates the process of adopting the ICS, its current status, and future issues through interview surveys of local and national governments in the Philippines. After adopting and implementing of the ICS as the national disaster response system for the Philippines is investigated, the current status of the ICS at the local government level is surveyed in a flood-prone area of the Pampanga River basin in central Luzon. Results show that the ICS has been adopted on all levels of government – national, regional, provincial, municipal, and barangay, i.e., the country’s smallest administrative division. Each local government level has incorporated the ICS into its contingency plan. Several issues related to future disaster response planning and capacity building are then reviewed.

MAKING ICS WORK FOR YOU WHEN IT REALLY COUNTS! – HARD LESSONS LEARNED ON THE SHORES OF CALIFORNIA

2005 ◽  
Vol 2005 (1) ◽  
pp. 741-745
Author(s):  
Carl Jochums ◽  
William Robberson
Keyword(s):  
Fault Tolerant ◽  
Response Speed ◽  
Lessons Learned ◽  
Incident Command System ◽  
Incident Command ◽  
Set Up ◽  
The Moment ◽  
National Significance ◽  
The Right ◽  
Message Mapping

ABSTRACT The moment an oil spill occurs, response speed is of the essence. Yet how often have you participated in the Incident Command System (ICS) at a spill and been frustrated with the speed or the coordination of the response? How often has a response been declared a success but getting there was so frustrating and exhausting that you've sworn you won't work that way anymore? ICS is here to stay; yet how you can consistently make it work optimally for you and the response remains a challenge. This paper is based upon the premise that ICS enables the right information to be communicated to the right people, in the right format, at the right time. However, during most response debriefs, at the top of the “needs improvement” list you will find numerous references to the failure of information flow and communications. In this paper we share some of the hard lessons-learned in spill response along the California Coast, and ways in which some of the agencies involved today are proactively “preparing to communicate” within the Incident Command System. We use case histories of past and recent spills and the California Spill of National Significance 2004 exercise to illustrate the communications and coordination problems inherent in most response Incident Command structures. A variety of issues are considered; from the evolutionary paths of most responses; to the numerous personalities and egos involved; to the wide array of expectations amongst participants and stakeholders; and the often unique and varied authorities and agendas that multiple agencies bring to a response. We also suggest innovative ways in which the process of communications within the ICS is being augmented, enhanced, and set-up for success. We introduce concepts such as “data mining,” “embedded information specialists,” “fault-tolerant” communications mechanisms, “message mapping,” and “NEBA front-end loading”. A number of communications tools and concepts are described, that if implemented, will greatly improve multi-agency coordination and communications during a response, leading to a less stressful and more successful response outcome.

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