CPCA NIMS/ICS for CCHCs Module 3: General Staff June 2013.

CPCANIMS/ICS for CCHCs

Module 3: General StaffJune 2013

Training Overview

The General Staff module is designed for all Community Clinic and Health Center (CCHC) staff with disaster

response roles and especially those who will not require additional NIMS and ICS training, because they will work

in a response management position or in the Clinic Command Center.

Training Objectives

This module will help CCHC staff to understand: What is an emergency? Our CCHC’s responsibilities and how we will manage our

response What the CCHC will ask of you and other staff How we fit into the overall community and government

response What you should do for your home and family

What is an Emergency?

An emergency is an unexpected or sudden event that significantly disrupts the organization’s ability to provide care, or the environment of care itself, or that results in a sudden, significantly changed or increased demand for the organization's services.

The terms “disaster” and “emergency” are frequently used to describe the same event

Types of Disasters

A natural disaster is caused by a natural hazard (e.g. volcanic eruption, earthquake, or landslide) that affects human activities

Man-made disasters are caused intentionally or by accident (e.g., terrorism, chemical spills, train derailments)

An Influenza Pandemic is an outbreak of disease that occurs when a new flu virus appears that can spread from person-to-person

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Natural_hazard

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Volcanic_eruption

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Earthquake

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Landslide

Disasters in California

Agricultural Earthquakes Epidemics Floods Hazardous Materials Hurricanes Infrastructure Failure

Mudslides Nuclear Pestilence Riots Terrorism Transportation Volcanoes Wild Fires

Community Clinic Responsibilities in Emergencies

Ensure immediate safety of CCHC occupants: patients, staff and visitors

Respond to health care needs of disaster victims Maintain essential healthcare services or restore them as

rapidly as possible Provide accurate information to clients Perform other emergency roles if resources are available Assist community to return to normal status

Community Clinic Limitations in Emergencies

CCHC are not hospitals CCHC do not operate 24/7 Many have limited staff and facilities May have limited equipment and supplies

May be the only health care provider in a community Facility may be affected by emergency Staff may be affected by emergency

Prepare Your CCHC to Meet Its Responsibilities

Plan: develop written plans, policies and procedures for responding to emergencies

Use the Incident Command System to manage emergencies

Train and exercise Build relationships with other community response

organizations

Preparedness Roles and Responsibilities of CCHC Staff (1)

All CCHC staff should:– Understand and follow the CCHC’s emergency response policies,

procedures and plans – Understand their likely response roles and responsibilities– Participate in training, drills and exercises

– Follow safety rules to prevent injuries and illnesses

– Prepare their family for emergencies and for the possibility of your absence

Preparedness Roles and Responsibilities of CCHC Staff (2)

Managers and supervisors will:– Ensure that staff participate in trainings, drills and exercises

– Ensure that each department’s procedures are consistent with the CCHC plan

– Represent their departments in development of CCHC emergency plans and procedures

– Communicate importance of CCHC and home preparedness to staff

– Ensure staff receive up-to-date information

Emergency Response Roles and Responsibilities of CCHC Staff

During work hours: – Ensure safety of patients, visitors and other staff– Implement evacuation and shelter-in-place procedures– Ensure own safety – Notify emergency responders, e.g., fire, police, EMS, health department– May need to stay beyond clinic’s normal hours

During off hours– Ensure safety of self and family– Report availability to clinic

How Will the CCHC Manage the Response to Disasters?

The Incident Command System (ICS)

Under ICS, the day-to-day management structure based on organizational best practices,

of the CCHC changes

to meet the requirements of the emergency.

Why ICS is critical for CCHC in Response to Disasters

Ensures efficient, clear communication through the use of common terminology

Provides a flexible framework that applies to all phases of incident management regardless of cause, size location or complexity

Organizational structure includes only functions and positions needed to achieve the incident objectives

Why Incident Action Plan is critical for CCHC in Response to Disasters

• Development of an Incident Action Plan (IAP) which is used to provide all incident supervisory personnel with direction for taking actions based on the objectives identified in the plan during the operational period

• IAP includes measurable strategic operations to be achieved within the operational period

• Management by objectives are used to accomplish response tactics on IAPs

Command Staff

At every level of the ICS organization, individuals in primary responsibility have distinct titles to help clarify the activities undertaken by specific personnel.

The agency executive is responsible for establishing overall priorities, providing strategic and policy direction, and delegating authority to the Incident Commander to manage the incident.

Command Staff

Command Staff provide information, safety and liaison services for the incident command system (ICS) organization and operating guidelines referred to as span of control

Command Staff positions include:– Public Information Officer (PIO)– Liaison Officer– Safety Officer

Each of these positions have only one supervisor/unity of command

Command Staff positions report directly to the Incident Commander (IC)

The Incident Commander

The Incident Commander oversees incident operations from the incident command

post/clinic command center, is ALWAYS staffed in ICS and

responsible until authority has been delegated to another

person.

When a new Incident Commander assumes command, the outgoing Incident Commander should be demobilized to avoid confusion.

The Safety Officer

As Safety Officer, I ensure the safety of staff, patients and visitors impacted

by and responding to the incident.

The Public Information Officer

As Public Information Officer, or PIO, I am the conduit of information for internal and external stakeholders, including staff, visitors, families and news media.

The Liaison Officer

As Liaison Officer, I am the main contact for

other agencies responding to the

incident such as the local health department, other CCHCs, hospitals, fire and EMS providers,

law enforcement and others

The General Staff

General Staff

Each response management function is reflected in the ICS structure:– Operations– Planning– Logistics– Finance/Administration

The title for General Staff position is “Section Chief” The General Staff report directly to the Incident Commander

(IC)

The Operations Section Chief

I ensure clinical operations for incident response and recovery activities. I develop and implement strategies and tactics to carry out the incident objectives

Tactical resources are always classified as one of the following during an incident: assigned, available and out of service

The Planning Section Chief

I prepare and document theIncident Action Plan, collectAnd evaluate information, Maintain resources status, and maintain documentationfor incident records.

The Logistics Section Chief

I organize and direct the provision of

support and services for incident

operations including communications,

supplies, equipment, and medical support.

The Finance/Administration Section Chief

I monitor the utilization of financial assets during response and recovery and account for incident costs and losses. I handle claims related to property damage, injuries or fatalities.

Incident Command System Summary

The Incident Command System provides:– A coordinated response

– Clear chain of command– For example: Situation Unit Leader, but no Planning Section Chief assigned, leader

should report to Incident Commander

– Safe response and recovery operations

– Span of control on incidents with a ratio of

one supervisor to five reporting elements.

-Prioritize leadership responsibilities such as

ensuring safe work practices

ICS Structure Flexibility

The ICS management structure expands and contracts to meet the needs of the incident

– The Incident Commander is always activated to:

Assess the impact of the event on the CCHC

Determine the level of activation of the Emergency Operations Plan and ICS Incident Management Team positions

Emergency operations plan is based on functions

– ICS is developed in a top-down manner– Positions are activated ONLY if needed– Organized approach for incident managers to obtain resources

Incident managers begin planning for the demobilization process as soon as possible to facilitate accountability of the resources

Staff Role in ICS

Management is responsible for managing the emergency

May report to a different supervisor May be asked to perform duties different from their

day-to-day responsibilities

Questions?

– The incident Command System (ICS) is a proven incident management system that is based on organizational:

a. Best Practices.b. Strengths.c. Structures.d. Hierarchy.

Review Questions: You know the Answers!

– The ability to communicate within ICS is absolutely critical. To ensure efficient, clear communication, ICS requires the use of:a. Agency-specific codes.b. Common terminology.c. Radio codes.d. Technical language.

Post-Test Questions: You know the Answers!

– The Incident Command System provides a ______________ framework that applies to all phases of incident management regardless of cause, size, location or complexity.a. Rigid.b. Complicated.c. Straightforward.d. Flexible.


– Every incident must have a verbal or written Incident Action Plan. The purpose of this plan is to provide all incident supervisory personnel with direction for :a. Taking actions based on the objectives identified

in the plan during the operational period.b. Maintaining documentation and tracking

resources assigned to the incident.c. Monitoring the number of resources that report

to any one supervisor.d. Obtaining and maintaining essential personnel,

equipment and supplies.


– Select the TRUE statement:a. ICS positions may be combined in order to save on

staffing or achieve a higher level of efficiency.b. ICS encourages the use of unique position titles in

order to better meet the specific incident needs.c. ICS organizational structure should include only

the functions and positions needed to achieve the incident objectives.

d. ICS recognizes that an Incident Commander may not be necessary if an Operations Section Chief is assigned.


– Which of the following would you expect to see in an Incident Action Plan?

a. Detailed cost estimates for implementing the proposed activities.

b. Listing of all staff members currently deployed (activated) to the incident.

c. Measurable strategic operations to be achieved within the operational period.

d. A schematic showing all communication equipment in use in the CCHC.


– Incident Action Plans (IAPs) depend on _________________ to accomplish response tactics.

a. Integrated communications.b. Organizational resources.c. Management by Objectives.d. Common terminology.


– One ICS principle relates to the supervisory structure of the organization and pertains to the number of individuals or resources one incident supervisor can manage effectively. This operating guidelines is referred to as:

a. Delegation of authority.b. Span of control.c. Form follows function.d. Unity of command.


– From what facility does the Incident Commander oversee incident operations?

a. Incident Command Post/Clinic Command Center.b. Heliports.c. Labor Pool and Credentialing Unit.d. Staging Area.


– ________________ means that each individual involved in incident operations will be assigned to only one supervisor.

a. Span of Control.b. Unity of Command.c. Supervisor Authority.d. Unified Command.


– At every level of the ICS organization, individuals in positions of primary responsibility have distinct titles. Using specific ICS position titles serve three important purposes?• The use of distinct titles allow for filling ICS positions with the most

qualified individuals and not by rank, seniority or title.• Standard position titles are useful when requesting qualified

personnel.• _______________________

a. Titles provide a common standard for all usersb. Distinct titles help to clarify the activities undertaken by specific

personnelc. Position titles help to maintain the normal lines of authority

withind. Prestige associated with certain titles helps to motivate

responders


– Which position is the one that is always staffed in ICS?a. Operations Section Chief.b. Incident Commander.c. Public Information Officer.d. Safety Officer.


– When command is transferred, all personnel in the Clinic Command Center should be informed of:

a. The qualifications of the incoming Incident Commander.b. The limits of the Incident Commander’s scope of authority.c. The effective time and date of the transfer of command.d. The Incident Commander’s cell phone number.


– The Agency Executive is:a. Responsible for overseeing the allocation and

assignment of emergency resources.b. Responsible for managing the incident along side the

Incident Commander.c. Responsible for coordinating with other agencies

through the Liaison Officer.d. Responsible for establishing overall priorities,

providing strategic and policy direction, and delegating authority to the Incident Commander to manage the incident.


– What positions make up the Command Staff?a. Public Information Officer, Liaison Officer, Safety

Officer.b. Safety Officer, Logistics Section Chief, Public

Information Officer.c. Medical Care Branch Director, Safety Officer, Liaison

Officer.d. Liaison Officer, Public Information Officer, Agency

Executive.


– The basic Incident Command System (ICS) principle is that the Incident Commander is responsible until the:

a. Five management functions are activated.b. The next operational period has begun.c. Event or incident has demobilized.d. Authority is delegated to another person.


– Which Command Staff position serves as the conduit of information for internal and external stakeholders, including the CCHC personnel, the media, and other organizations seeking information?

a. Public Information Officer.b. Liaison Officer.c. Resource Unit Leader.d. Safety Officer.


– Which Command Staff position monitors safety conditions and develops measures for assuring the safety of all assigned personnel?

a. Public Information Officer.b. Liaison Officer.c. Operations Section Chief.d. Safety Officer.


– Which Command Staff position serves as the primary contact for supporting agencies and organizations that are assisting at or responding to an incident, but is not participating within the ICS/Clinic Command Center structure?

a. Public Information Officer.b. Liaison Officer.c. Planning Section Chief.d. Safety Officer.


– Select the TRUE statement:a. Upon arriving at the Clinic Command Center, the higher

ranking person will either assume command, maintain command as is, or reassign command to a third party.

b. A lower ranking but more qualified person may not be designated as the Incident Commander.

c. Transfer of Command procedures are implemented at the Clinic Command Center before the Incident Commander arrives at the Clinic.

d. When a new Incident Commander assumes command, the outgoing Incident Commander should be demobilized to avoid confusion.


– Expansion of incidents may require the delegation of authority for the performance of Operations, Planning, Logistics and Finance/Administration functions. The people who perform these management functions are called the:

a. Deputy Staff.b. Director Staff.c. Command Staff.d. General Staff.


– Which General Staff position conducts tactical operations, develops the tactical objectives, and directs all tactical resources?

a. Finance/Administration Section Chief.b. Logistics Section Chief.c. Operations Section Chief.d. Planning Section Chief.


– Tactical resources are always classified as one of the following during an incident:• ____________________ (choose one from below)• Available• Out of Service

a. Active.b. Checked-in.c. Assigned.d. Allocated.


– Which General Staff position prepares and documents the Incident Action Plan, collects and evaluates information, maintains resources status, and maintains documentation for incident records?

a. Finance/Administration Section Chief.b. Logistics Section Chief.c. Liaison Officer.d. Planning Section Chief.


– Which General Staff position is responsible for ensuring that assigned incident personnel are fed, have communications, medical support, and transportation as needed to meet the operational objectives?



– The Employee Health and Well Being Unit is responsible for:a. Providing emergency services to injured victims at the

accident scene.b. Providing medical screening, evaluation and follow-up of

employees who are assigned to an incident.c. Coordinating with public health services to determine

where critical resources are deployed.d. Authorizing purchases of needed medical supplies and

services.


– Which General Staff position manages costs related to the incident, and provides accounting, procurement, time recording, claims/compensation and cost analysis?



– Which Section is responsible for handling claims related to property damage, injuries, or fatalities?

a. Operations Section.b. Planning Section.c. Logistics Section.d. Finance/Administration Section.


– Effective span of control on incidents may vary from three to seven, but which ratio of supervisor to reporting elements is recommended?

a. One supervisor to four reporting elements.b. One supervisor to five reporting elements.c. One supervisor to six reporting elements.d. One supervisor to seven reporting elements.


– Chris Smith is assigned to be the Situation Unit Leader. No Planning Section Chief is assigned. Who does Chris Smith report to?

a. Operations Section Chief.b. Incident Commander.c. Public Information Officer.d. Chris has no direct supervisor.


– Emergency Operations Plans (EOP) are based on :a. Hazards.b. Agencies.c. Functions.d. Cost.


– Incident managers begin planning for the demobilization process:

a. When incident activities shift from response to recovery.

b. Right before the first resources are ready to be released.

c. As soon as possible to facilitate accountability of the resources.

d. After being requested by the Emergency Operations Center.


CPCA NIMS/ICS for CCHCs Module 3: General Staff June 2013.

Documents

emergency staff

emergency slide

responsibilities of

emergencies cchc

person slide

health center cchc staff

emergency roles

event slide