An evaluation of local incident command system personnel in a pandemic influenza

Abstract

In 2008, 68 counties in the State of Indiana participated in functional exercises funded by the Indiana State Department of Health to evaluate local pandemic preparation and response. As a part of the exercise tasks, counties were asked to develop an Incident Command (IC) structure for the county as well as qualified personnel who would fill each position. By examining the individual structures, it was discovered that at the local level, no clear type of personnel was being used. This study will display the results of the findings by uniquely categorizing the local level IC personnel structure used in these exercises into three study-defined types: normal command, specialized command, and unified command. By looking at the various effectiveness aspects of each type of personnel structure, this study will provide consideration, with possible strengths and weaknesses, for effective IC use based upon selection of IC personnel. The results will allow localities to better modify their command to adjust to a pandemic emergency.