INTRODUCTION:

The incident command system is an organized system that is used to safely, quickly, and efficiently mitigate an incident. The characteristics of this are a modular type organization that can be expanded or down sized based on the incident progression. The backbone of this program is "span of control", which limits the number of people each person is responsible for supervising.

1. The key to proper implementation of an ICS is to scale and adapt it to the following:
   1. Incident size complexity/projected time to termination
   2. Integrating with an established ICS or Emergency Management System
   3. Personnel availability

2. The Paramedic in charge of the first arriving unit will institute the ICS if indicated.

3. Once an EMT initiates the Incident Command System, they must complete the following:
   1. Indicate they are on scene
   2. Give a brief overview of the scene
   3. Estimate the number of injuries
   4. Announce they are establishing COMMAND. Command will be designated by the geographic location. (physical location of IC).
   5. Request the EMS Service Director to be dispatched.
   6. Triage all patients involved
   7. Formally announce an MCI and request resources as needed
   8. Begin treatment/establishment of treatment/loading area as determined by the incident.
   9. Use Simple Triage and Rapid Treatment (S.T.A.R.T.) system for patient triage. Refer to the Simple Triage and Rapid Treatment (S.T.A.R.T.) protocol.