ERT Incident Command System
(ICS)
The ERT ICS (Incident Command System) is able to run as a stand alone system during a major national or even international incident or integrate seemlessly into the usual Blue Light Emergency Services ICS (in the UK) - as was the case, for example, during the Flood in the UK. It is based strongly on the UK National Fire Service model, but also incorporates pertinent elements of the Police and Ambulance service ICS.It takes into account the numerous types of emergency and it is drilled and exercised regularly within the organization and frequently, with other emergency services.
This training adds a 200 page manual and an additional 3 days training to a ERT Members existing core requirements in Search and Rescue. It is essential that a member's role within a 'Resilience' body and 'Emergency Preparedness and Emergency Management" organization is understood and how to integrate into teams of well formed and practiced Emergence Response Teams.
Two Command Support Officers (CSOs) liaise face to face with the Incident Commander.
The USAR Sector Commander receives information from the ERT Safety Officer whilst two ERT Technical Rescue Team Members look on.
This ERT Medical Officer is receiving information with a Sector Commander regarding needed consumables at the scene of the water edge with the Medical Team / Rescue Unit.
FLOOD RESCUE EXAMPLE
An example of the ICS in action on a smaller scale was during the floods in the scenario above. 10 to 12 members, working wioth the Thames Valley Police and Oxfordshire Fire and Rescue - deployed 2 Marine (Water Rescue) Units in Swift Water to vulnerable people who were stranded in a flooded field next to the river.
The ICS is drilled regularly, several times a year, with at least 25 to 50 members on functional to larger scale incidents and any lessons learned are shared in the debrief and added to future sessions so that the teams are well aware of their roles and functions.