Enhancing Emergency Preparedness – Who has overall responsibility for managing the on scene incident

August 9, 2023

When emergencies strike, a well-coordinated emergency operations plan and response is the linchpin that can make all the difference. Central to this response is the individual who is responsible for managing the on-scene incident. This pivotal figure is the incident commander (IC), who orchestrates the efforts of responders and ensures a swift and safe resolution.

As the curtain rises on the intricate theater of emergency management, a crucial question emerges: who is responsible for managing the on-scene incident? In the following pages, we embark on a journey to decode the role of the IC and the blueprint that organizations rely on to navigate crises.

I. Who is the incident commander?

In an emergency, it is essential to clearly understand who has overall responsibility for managing the on-scene incident. This person, known as the incident commander (IC), is responsible for coordinating the activities of all responders and ensuring that the incident is brought under control as quickly and safely as possible.

The IC is typically a senior-level official with experience in emergency management. They will have the authority to make decisions about the deployment of resources, the evacuation of people, and the containment of the incident.

The IC will work closely with other responders, such as firefighters, police officers, and medical personnel, to ensure the incident is managed effectively. They will also be responsible for communicating with the public about the incident and providing updates.

II. The Role of the Incident Commander in Large Industrial Organizations

The Incident Commander is the individual with overall responsibility for managing the on-scene incident during an emergency. This role is pivotal in establishing an organized and efficient response.

The responsibilities of the Incident Commander in large industrial organizations include:

1. Incident Assessment

The IC quickly assesses the situation, gathering critical information to understand the nature and extent of the emergency.

2. Formulating Response Objectives

Based on the incident assessment, the IC sets clear response objectives to guide the overall incident response strategy

3. Establishing Incident Priorities

Depending on the severity of the incident, the IC ranks tasks in order of importance. This prioritization ensures that immediate life-saving actions are undertaken promptly while also minimizing collateral damage to property and the environment.

4. Command Structure

The IC establishes the Incident Command System (ICS) organizational structure, defining roles and responsibilities for key personnel. This clarity in roles fosters efficient communication, seamless information flow, and effective decision-making throughout the response efforts.

5. Decision-Making

The IC exercises decision-making authority to direct response efforts, ensuring efficient incident resolution

6. Resource Allocation

The IC manages the allocation and deployment of resources, including personnel, equipment, and supplies, to support response operations.

7. Incident Communications

The IC maintains open and effective communication with all responders, stakeholders, and external agencies involved in the incident.

8. Incident Action Plan (IAP)

The IC develops and implements the IAP, a detailed document outlining response objectives, strategies, and tactics.

9. Safety

Ensuring the safety of responders and personnel is a top priority for the IC, and they make critical decisions to protect individuals involved in the response.

In a large industrial organization, the IC may be a member of the organization’s emergency response team (ERT). Moreover, the ERT is a group of individuals who are responsible for coordinating the organization’s response to emergencies. They typically include representatives from all levels of the organization, as well as external partners, such as local fire departments and law enforcement agencies.

The ERT develops an emergency operations plan (EOP) that outlines the organization’s response to different types of emergencies.

III. What is an Emergency Operations plan

The path to effective on-scene incident management is paved with careful planning. This brings us to the emergency operations plan (EOP), a meticulously crafted blueprint that outlines an organization’s response strategies. Within its pages lies the answer to who takes charge, what steps to follow, and how to ensure a coordinated response.

The EOP is a collection of vital deliverables that form the backbone of emergency response. These deliverables include the Emergency Response Plan (ERP), Incident Command System (ICS) documentation, Emergency Communication Plan, Evacuation and Sheltering Plans, Resource Inventory, Training and Exercise Materials, After-Action Reports (AAR), and the Recovery and Contingency Plans.

As the organization evolves, so does the EOP, adapting to reflect the latest capabilities and insights. The ERT, often entrusted with developing the EOP, extends a suite of services to the organization. From training on emergency response procedures and conducting drills to maintaining emergency supply stockpiles and offering technical assistance, the ERT plays an instrumental role in enhancing preparedness and response.

The EOP should be regularly reviewed and updated to ensure that it is still relevant and that it reflects the current capabilities of the organization.

By having a clear understanding of who is responsible for managing the on-scene incident, and having a well-developed EOP, large industrial organizations can help ensure that they are prepared to respond effectively to any emergency.

IV. Building a Robust Emergency Operations Plan

Within the tumult of emergencies, an intricately crafted Emergency Operations Plan (EOP) emerges as a strategic lifeline for large industrial organizations. This plan isn’t merely ink on paper; it’s a dynamic toolkit of actionable components meticulously designed to guide swift decisions and orchestrated actions during critical incidents. Let’s dive into the essential elements that collectively form this invaluable toolkit:

1. Executive Overview

The EOP initiates with an executive summary—a concise compass of objectives and aspirations. This snapshot sets the stage by offering a rapid view of the organization's emergency response strategy. It serves as a compass for all stakeholders, ensuring a unified understanding of the mission's essence

2. Role Clarifications and Structure

Emergencies necessitate unwavering clarity in command. The EOP meticulously defines roles across the spectrum, from high-level executives to hands-on responders. This unambiguous structure eliminates confusion, enabling precise, coordinated maneuvers.

3. Streamlined Response Initiation

In the urgency of crises, activating the plan must be a seamless transition. The EOP outlines specific triggers and processes for activating the plan, ensuring an immediate response initiation. This precision expedites the orchestration of critical actions.

4. Tailored Crisis Roadmaps

Distinct emergencies demand distinct responses. The EOP presents meticulously detailed action plans for various conceivable scenarios. Whether tackling a fire, chemical spill, or natural catastrophe, responders are armed with precise guidelines, optimizing mitigation efforts.

5. Appendices

Practicality is paramount. The EOP's appendices house essential resources like maps, contact lists, and checklists. These quick-reference materials empower on-ground execution by offering immediate access to vital information.

6. Emergency Response Plan (ERP)

The ERP encapsulates the heart of the EOP. It expounds upon the organization's overarching strategy, objectives, and tactical maneuvers. This comprehensive document serves as the blueprint for all response activities, ensuring unity of purpose.

7. Incident Command System (ICS) Framework

Venturing into the specifics of the Incident Command System (ICS), the EOP delves into detailed charts, action plans, and role-specific guidelines. This clarity empowers incident commanders and responders, establishing a structured decision-making protocol.

8. Effective Information Flow

In the midst of crises, communication is paramount. The EOP's Communication Plan lays out information dissemination protocols—both internally and externally. This precisely defined communication roadmap eradicates confusion, facilitating swift updates.

9. Evacuation and Sheltering Plans

Employee safety is paramount. The EOP provides foolproof evacuation routes, assembly points, and personnel accountability measures. Ensuring secure evacuation and sheltering remains a primary focus.

10. Resource Catalog

Timely access to resources is crucial. The EOP maintains an updated inventory of personnel, equipment, and specialized teams. This resource catalog empowers the incident commander who has overall responsibility for managing the on scene incident, to optimize resource allocation, minimizing downtime and maximizing efficiency.

11. Practical Training and Drills

Theoretical knowledge translates into practical prowess. The EOP's training and drill resources immerse responders in real-world scenarios. By practicing responses and refining actions, personnel build the muscle memory needed for effective execution.

12. After-Action Reports (AAR)

Emergencies extend beyond initial response. Specifically, the EOP includes recovery and contingency plans. By outlining recovery steps and strategies, organizations ensure a seamless return to operations with minimal disruption.

13. Transitioning to Normalcy

An EOP isn’t just a plan—it’s a roadmap for agile action. With these precise components in place, large industrial organizations wield a robust toolkit that translates into effective real-world responses, safeguarding lives, assets, and operations amidst adversity.

V. Services Provided by the ERT in addition to EOP

The ERT can provide a variety of services to help large industrial organizations prepare for and respond to emergencies, in addition to the EOP. These services include:

1. Training on emergency response procedures

The ERT can train employees to respond to different types of emergencies. This training can help employees know what to do in an emergency, and it can help ensure that the organization's response is coordinated and effective.

2. Conducting drills and exercises

The ERT can conduct drills and exercises to test the organization's emergency response procedures. This will help to identify any weaknesses in the procedures, and it will help to ensure that employees are prepared to respond to an emergency.

3. Maintaining a stockpile of emergency supplies

4. Providing technical assistance to responders

The ERT can provide technical assistance to responders, such as firefighters and law enforcement officers. This assistance can include providing information about the organization's facilities and advice on how to respond to specific types of emergencies.

VI. Conclusion

In the midst of crises, understanding the individual who has overall responsibility for managing the on scene incident becomes paramount. This individual, known as the incident commander (IC), bears the crucial responsibility of coordinating all responders’ activities to swiftly and safely bring the incident under control. Within large industrial organizations, the role of the Incident Commander takes center stage during emergencies. Their responsibilities span a spectrum of crucial tasks, including assessing the incident, formulating response objectives, establishing priorities, and developing the Incident Action Plan (IAP) that outlines detailed response strategies.

Organization Resilience

Central to an organization's resilience in the face of emergencies is the Emergency Operations Plan (EOP). This meticulously crafted blueprint is a roadmap that outlines an organization's response strategies, offering guidance on leadership, action steps, and coordinated efforts. Through its components like the Emergency Response Plan (ERP), Incident Command implementation and documentation, Emergency Communication Plan, and Evacuation and Sheltering Plans, the EOP ensures a structured and effective response.

Navigating Emergencies

In conclusion, navigating emergencies requires a harmonized orchestration led by the incident commander and supported by a robust Emergency Operations Plan. Through precise actions and coordinated strategies, large industrial organizations are empowered to respond effectively, safeguarding lives, assets, and operations when the need arises. Beyond the EOP, the Emergency Response Team (ERT) offers additional services that enrich an organization's preparedness, from training and exercises to maintaining supplies and providing technical assistance.

Next Steps

If you represent a public sector agency or a large industrial organization and are in need of professional assistance in crafting a comprehensive Emergency Operations Plan tailored to your unique needs, we invite you to reach out to us. With our extensive expertise in emergency management, we can collaborate with you to develop a robust and effective plan that enhances your organization's preparedness and response capabilities.

Helpful Links

FEMA Emergency Management

National Response Framework

MissionCIT Emergency Operations Planning

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