E. Concept of Operations 1. General a. The National Incident Management System and Incident Command System i. Introduction to the National Incident Management System <Insert name of agency> has developed this Emergency Operations Plan to be consistent with the National Incident Management System (NIMS). NIMS is a nationally standardized incident management system that provides guidelines for common functions and terminology to support clear communication and effective collaboration in an emergency situation. The agency encourages other healthcare stakeholders including associations, utilities, partners and suppliers to also adopt this strategy to ensure a coordinated response to future threats. ii. Introduction to the Incident Command System <Insert name of agency> has also adopted the Hospital Incident Command System (HICS). This system utilizes a structured yet flexible approach to all-hazards planning and response. HICS enables effective and efficient incident management via the integration and coordination of five major functional areas: command, operations, planning, logistics and finance administration. It provides specific forms to guide incident action planning and facilitates clear communications in an emergency by instituting a common communication plan for those involved in response. HICS is also flexible and scalable, allowing functional areas to be added as necessary and terminated when no longer necessary. iii. Approach, Goals and Implementation The Emergency Operations Plan will have a functional approach. That is, the plan will be organized around specific functions. Common functions that must be performed in an emergency will be identified, responsibility for those tasks will be assigned and standard operating guidelines will be developed for carrying out specific tasks associated with the larger function. Because the goal of this approach is to have a coordinated response across the organization, it is important that the task-based guidelines and procedures be developed to be consistent with the organization’s overall Emergency Operations Plan and policies. Implementation of new procedures and guidelines should also be consistent with NIMS and HICS principles. 2. Incident Management Incident management activities are divided into four phases: mitigation, preparedness, response and recovery. four phases are described below.
E. Concept of Operations 1. General a. The National Incident Management System and Incident Command System i. Introduction to the National Incident Management System <Insert name of agency> has developed this Emergency Operations Plan to be consistent with the National Incident Management System (NIMS). NIMS is a nationally standardized incident management system that provides guidelines for common functions and terminology to support clear communication and effective collaboration in an emergency situation. The agency encourages other healthcare stakeholders including associations, utilities, partners and suppliers to also adopt this strategy to ensure a coordinated response to future threats. ii. Introduction to the Incident Command System <Insert name of agency> has also adopted the Hospital Incident Command System (HICS). This system utilizes a structured yet flexible approach to all-hazards planning and response. HICS enables effective and efficient incident management via the integration and coordination of five major functional areas: command, operations, planning, logistics and finance administration. It provides specific forms to guide incident action planning and facilitates clear communications in an emergency by instituting a common communication plan for those involved in response. HICS is also flexible and scalable, allowing functional areas to be added as necessary and terminated when no longer necessary. iii. Approach, Goals and Implementation The Emergency Operations Plan will have a functional approach. That is, the plan will be organized around specific functions. Common functions that must be performed in an emergency will be identified, responsibility for those tasks will be assigned and standard operating guidelines will be developed for carrying out specific tasks associated with the larger function. Because the goal of this approach is to have a coordinated response across the organization, it is important that the task-based guidelines and procedures be developed to be consistent with the organization’s overall Emergency Operations Plan and policies. Implementation of new procedures and guidelines should also be consistent with NIMS and HICS principles. 2. Incident Management Incident management activities are divided into four phases: mitigation, preparedness, response and recovery. four phases are described below.