The incident command system: a framework for rapid response to biological invasion

Stanley W. Burgiel

doi:10.1007/s10530-019-02150-2

Abstract

The incident command system (ICS) is a framework for organizing and directing on-site, tactical responses to a particular event or series of events. ICS provides a command structure for coordination, information flow, analysis, decision-making, communications, and implementation in an authoritative and standardized manner. The ICS framework has been used for emergency response in a variety of situations where the environment, human health, or other resources are at risk, including wildfires, natural disasters, terrorist attacks, oil and chemical spills, infectious disease outbreaks, and invasive species. This paper outlines the key components of ICS, as well as major elements for building ICS capacity. It concludes with a list of considerations for applying ICS in the invasive species context.

Highlights

The ability of federal agencies to rapidly respond to a newly detected invasive species is substantially enhanced by pre-planning and coordinated action (Reaser et al 2019a, this issue)
Presidential Executive Order 13751 expressly calls upon the National Invasive Species Council (NISC) to ‘‘advance national incident response, data collection, and rapid reporting capacities that build on existing frameworks and programs and strengthen early detection of and rapid response to invasive species (EDRR), including those that are vectors, reservoirs, or causative agents of disease’’ (Executive Office of the President 2016)
The federally mandated model for incident response is embodied in the National Incident Management System (NIMS) developed by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and used throughout government (US Department of Homeland Security 2003, 2017)

Summary

Introduction

The ability of federal agencies to rapidly respond to a newly detected invasive species is substantially enhanced by pre-planning and coordinated action (Reaser et al 2019a, this issue). ICS standardizes the on-scene incident response process to provide an integrated organizational structure that can address the complexity and demands of an emergency where multiple agencies share management responsibilities or contribute to actions. Once a potential invasive species has been detected, identified, and management (eradication or containment) measures are deemed warranted and feasible, ICS can be used to strategically guide on-scene actions, providing the structure by which government agencies and their partners cooperatively make decisions and mobilize resources.

Results

Conclusion