Mutual Interests, Mutual Training, Results in Mutual Aid and Respect

Abstract

ABSTRACT In a crisis situation responders from different organizations may find each other's priorities and goals in conflict. By training to a common standard, we create an environment where adversarial conflicts are replaced with open discussions. We may disagree on the path, but in the end it is in everyone's best interest to have a common, well understood goal. After 2010, it became apparent to me that agencies and industry did not always share a common understanding of the principles of the National Incident Management System (NIMS). The result would be conflicting agendas, potential mistrust and a perception that responders did not have control of the emergency. This paper will describe the method that Alaska's North Slope responders used in 2012 to extend the practice of spill response teams training together to the Incident Management Teams and the benefits that resulted from this approach. Our goal was to strengthen the response posture of Alaska's North Slope through an aggressive training program involving multiple industry and agency partners in a year-long series of classroom and field opportunities, working together as members of the same team. A common national curriculum delivered by a team of certified instructors allowed participants to develop or reinforce a common understanding of the NIMS based principles and processes. At the end, teams would participate in a 3 day long field exercise (using a scenario they had never seen before) involving responder and equipment deployment based on plans developed by the Unified Command. Rarely does a training product actually end up as a plan implemented in the field. Because the scenario was not rehearsed, this reality check ensured everyone took their duties seriously. Responders would implement tactics, request and expect supplies, and the consequences of the team's actions would result in a success, or failure, that could affect the reputation of all the parties involved. Program participants included personnel from six oil companies (including UK based personnel), U.S Coast Guard, Environmental Protection Agency, State of Alaska, North Slope Borough, Alaska Cleans Seas and a myriad of North Slope Spill Response Team. Key benefits included a common understanding of NIMS ICS at all levels, building relationships, a mentoring environment allowing inexperienced participants to build competency and expertise, and meeting portions of contingency plan readiness requirements. The program helped reinforce Alaska's North Slope responder's reputation for world class response capability.