Each year in Ireland fire services respond to some fifty thousand emergency situations. The National Incident Command System (NICS) has been developed to enable good practices to be embedded and deployed consistently in managing fire service operations across Ireland.

2. While it is not intended to be overly prescriptive, the NICS provides a solid basis so

that the approach in each fire authority is consistent with the rest of the fire service, to

such a degree as to facilitate effective inter authority operations. This will also enable

maximum benefit to be gained from combined local, regional and national command

training programmes.

3. The systems, procedures and practices described in the following pages were

developed under the "Safe Person Concept". It sets out good practice and offers

supporting advice and guidance in those areas of operational activity considered to be

critical to the health and safety of fire service personnel, of which the safe and

competent command of operational incidents is key.

Features of the Incident Command System

4. The incident command system provides for the safe, effective and efficient

management and deployment of resources, both human and material at all types of

emergency incidents. Key elements of the system are:

(a) A standard structure for organising resources, which assists decision-making

and encourages effective communications and delegation.

(b) Dynamic risk assessment process that ensures safety is at the forefront of

command decisions and is clearly understood and demonstrated.

(c) A structured support system to assist the incident commander.

(d) A national framework, describing tasks and performance standards expected

of emergency incident commanders.

(e) Consistent methodology and terminology, for exercising operational

command, which will contribute to safer systems of work, both in training and

at operational incidents.

(f) Recognition of the role of performance management and review, which in the

operational context, centres particularly on post incident debrief procedures.

(g) Changes to a learning organisation that reviews its performance and strives for

continuous improvement through risk informed methods.

iii

Introduction

5.

The safety of fire fighters at operational incidents, and during realistic training, is a

critical area of responsibility for fire service commanders and managers. Similarly, all

fire-fighters have a responsibility to work in accordance with the NICS to ensure their

own safety and that of their colleagues and the public.

6. Across the very wide range of emergency incidents attended by brigades, there are

essential principles of organisation and command, which can be applied to ensure

successful incident management up to closure.

7. The requirement for fire fighters from one brigade to work with those of another; the

need for fire fighters to work with other emergency services, and the need for fire

fighters and commanders at all levels to receive training, all highlight the importance

of systems of work which operate against national standards. The contents of this

document were developed to meet these requirements

 National Incident Command System (7.86 MB)