On October 17, 2017, FEMA released the refreshed National Incident Management System (NIMS) doctrine. This refreshed NIMS retains many of the familiar key concepts and principles from the two previous versions, while incorporating lessons learned from exercises and real-world incidents, best practices, and changes in national policy. You can download the refreshed NIMS here: www.fema.gov/nims-doctrine-supporting-guides-tools

During the review period, EMSI’s subject matter experts provided insight and input into updating this NIMS Doctrine. We are in the process of reviewing this refreshed doctrine, as well as attending the upcoming informational webinars, and will communicate any impacts on our clients in the near future.

In summary, the refreshed NIMS:
• Retains key concepts and principles of the 2004 and 2008 versions of NIMS;
• Reflects and incorporates policy updates and lessons learned from exercises and real-incidents;
• Clarifies the processes and terminology for qualifying, certifying, and credentialing incident personnel, building a foundation for the development of a national qualification system;
• Clarifies that NIMS is more than just the Incident Command System (ICS) and that it applies to all incident personnel, from the incident command post to the National Response Coordination Center;
• Describes common functions and terminology for staff in Emergency Operations Centers (EOC), while remaining flexible to allow for differing missions, authorities, and resources of EOCs across the nation; and
• Explains the relationship among ICS, EOCs, and senior leaders/policy groups.

EMSI is well versed in NIMS and ICS and stands ready to help your organization with its preparedness and response capabilities. Since inception in 2000, EMSI has played a major role in helping government and industry clients alike, prepare, train, and respond to emergencies of any cause or size. Comprised of national and international all-risk, all-hazard response experts, EMSI’s seasoned cadre gives us a unique background and perspective in dealing with incident and responder needs at every level of government and industry, to include the international community. As a global response leader in all-risk, all-hazard, multi-discipline incidents, EMSI has a proven track record in helping the myriad of local, state, national, international, and private sector entities with their incident management and emergency management programs. EMSI is a veteran owned, minority business enterprise (MBE) that supports a broad range of clients. To learn more about EMSI and how we can help your organization’s response preparedness, please visit www.emsics.com.