1. Command Systems in Emergency Operations Prof. David Alexander D.Alexander@alice.it
2. In the context of emergencies, 'co-ordination' means conducting processes and operations so that their functionality is guaranteed. 'Command' means giving formal orders and instructions to people and groups so that they will take particular actions.
3. Command function principle Locus of control Tension of opposites Spectrum of alternatives Support function principle Locus of collaboration (support)
5. The command and control model assumes that the responses of the many organisations that participate in emergency operations need to be centralised and formally directed by authoritative people.
6. In general, everyone wants to command and control but few people are happy to be commanded and controlled. In the modern world, emergency managementmeans co-ordinating more than controlling.
14. Definition:"a complex whole of operators, strategies, procedures, equipment and materials integrated into a common organisational structure designed to improve emergency operations of all types and at all levels of compexity."
15. The incident command system offers a structure designed to co-ordinate the work of different organisations which seek to reach common objectives (stabilisation of the incident and the protection of lives, property and the environment). It offers an integrated organisational structure that can cope with complexity and the need to avoid barriers between institutions in the management process.
16. Phases of a major incident Funerals Debriefings Revision of plans Inquests Tribunals Trials Memorials Prizes Anniversaries Training Return to normality Consolidation Recovery Emergenza iniziale Response Investigation Demobilization Time
23. message terminology was not sufficiently standardised. The diffusion of information and forecastswas late and incomplete.
24. Experts were not always available to interpret the information received. The organisations did not plan together. Resource management was inadequate: personnel and resources were lacking in some places and excessive in others. Conclusion: emergency operations need to be based on standardised criteria.
25. The rapid spread of wildfire needed a multi-agency response, namely: FirefightingResourcesof California OrganizedforPotentialEmergencies (FIRESCOPE).
33. Finance section Timekeeping unit Compensation unit Salaries units Cost estimation unit Acquisitions unit Operations support units direction Logistics section Field support unit Buildings unit Resupply unit Incident commander Service units direction Communications unit Medical unit Catering unit Incident commander's staff Aerial operations direction Aerial operations unit Helicopter co-ordinator Operations section Aerial support direction Assembly area management Helicopter management Landings management Air base Field operations direction Operations units Groups division Single resources Planning section Resources unit Situations unit Documentation unit Specialist technicians Demobilisation unit
34. The incident commander provides leadership at the site of the incident. The incident commander may be the first person to arrive at the scene. Command passes to the most appropriate person (experience, training, rank, etc.). The incident commander retains responsibility for co-ordinating operations at the scene of the emergency.
35. The information officerreleases information to the public and works with the mass media. Thesafety officer monitors risks associated with operations at the site and ensures that emergency responders are properly protected. Theplanning officeris the point of contact between the incident commander and the organisations that respond to the incident.
97. Strategic level OUTER CORDON LEAD GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENT Public enquiries Strategic Co-ordinating Group Police Local authority Fire Military forces Ambulance Government advisors Other agencies Temporary Mortuary Media Centre Casualty Bureau Media Liaison Point Survivor Reception Centre Relatives’ Reception Centre Local Authority Emergency Centre Receiving Hospitals Voluntary Agencies Tactical level Body Holding Area Incident Control Point Police Fire Ambulance Liaison Vehicle Marshalling Area Ambulance Loading Point Operational level Site of Disaster Police Fire Ambulance Specialist advisors Casualty Clearing Station INNER CORDON
98. Rescuers' assembly point Points of access to cordoned off areas Public assembly area Cordon I Only rescuers Cordon III for traffic control Only authorised personnel Cordon II Multi-agency operations command. Pedestrians only Incident
107. In an emergency the bronze level (operations) is activated before the silver and gold levels. The operations centre (silver) decides whether to activate the emergency plan and puts into action the measures needed to tackle the incident.