Читать книгу Emergency Incident Management Systems - Mark Warnick S., Louis N. Molino Sr - Страница 48

As we consider managing an emergency incident, it should be realized that all emergency incidents have three common attributes (or themes) that remain synonymous with each and every crisis. They are

 Chaos

 Uncertainty

 Complexity

The objective of incident management is to create order where there was once chaos, to produce predictability and stability where there was uncertainty, and to build simplicity out of what was once complexity. While incident management can be used in planned and nonemergent situations, usually a crisis in public safety will involve an emergency. These crises will be from the daily emergency response calls to incidents that go well beyond the basic call. They may be as simple as a noise complaint, or an Emergency Medical Services (EMS) call that involves a person with an upset stomach, all the way to major events. Major events that require a response may include shootings, domestic disputes, fires, auto accidents, acts of terrorism, civil unrest, disasters, and other similar incidents. These principles that we use to manage everyday emergencies, as well as major incidents, can also be used in many different facets of your personal and professional life.

Incident management can be used, especially in public safety, to address an incident that is based on a public relations problem. This type of crisis could include accusations of racial profiling, improper investigations, maltreatment of a mentally disabled individual, sex in agency headquarters (or vehicles), or some other problem.

Another way incident management can be utilized revolves around being the new chief officer in charge of an agency, or a new division, and you want to change the status quo. You can use one of several IMS methods to help create an organizational hierarchy using a chart that identifies duties and responsibilities. Additionally, if you are the new chief officer, and you are changing the way business is done, you can write protocols for each level of the hierarchical chart, or for each position. In doing so, if someone is moved from one position to another, the job they are taking will have protocols, job descriptions, and duties. By utilizing IMS principles, it will allow the new chief officer to have a smooth transition when transferring people between positions, even in day‐to‐day management of an agency.

Thinking beyond the daily management, public safety agencies occasionally must deal with a disaster or crisis. During these times, you may have to make decisions under stress while experiencing inadequate or incomplete information. As the incident continues to go on, more intelligence (or information) will usually become available. Using an IMS method, this information should help guide you manage that specific crisis. It is critical to realize that no two incidents are exactly alike, and what may work for one incident may not necessarily work for a similar incident.

The principles you will learn in this book will assist you dealing with major incidents, small incidents, and even mundane calls. It does not matter if it is an earthquake, a hurricane, accusations of excessive force, a fire apparatus that hits a pedestrian, or even an accusation of violation of constitutional rights, incident management concepts are effective and can help us to manage a broad spectrum of public safety issues.