The Incident Command System (ICS) is a standardized site management system for coordinating the efforts of individual agencies responding to an emergency. It works whether the emergency is a single-car accident or a large-scale disaster, such as an oil spill.

ICS was developed in 1970 when responders realized they needed a system in place to manage major disasters after a series of wildfires in California killed 16 people, burned a half-million hectares, destroyed more than 750 buildings and cost $233 million. Today, many large organizations in North America, such as the Alyeska Pipeline Service Company and the Government of British Columbia use ICS as the standard site management system for responding to emergencies.

ICS is based on these basic truths:
•    Effective emergency response needs effective organization;
•    Use a proven system;
•    Small emergencies need a small organization: Big emergencies need a big      organization.

Many agencies adopt ICS because it is ideal for organizing tasks, functions and staff. Having key knowledge of what ICS is and the different roles responders play is critical for anyone involved in emergency response.

CSRO companies offer all levels of ICS training from introductory to advanced level courses. Students receive an NWCG, CIFFC or IEPC certificate upon completion. Call us to learn more information about our ICS courses offerings.