EMSI Completes First Delivery of New JIC Course

Having recently developed a new Joint Information Center course, EMSI successfully completed its first delivery the week of May 9th to a corporate pipeline company. This first course included members of their corporate and business communications teams and received outstanding reviews. Working with this client since 2014, EMSI has provided public information, joint information, liaison, and ICS training, workshops, and preparedness services to assist them with incident preparedness.

Designed to fill a critical void in Public Information and Joint Information training, EMSI’s Joint Information Center (JIC) course is intended for anyone who might fill a position within a JIC. The course prepares government and private sector Public Information Officers (PIOs) and crisis communications professionals for operating in an all-hazards JIC. Designed and taught by seasoned and experienced PIOs, this course provides a comprehensive look at establishing, organizing, staffing, and managing a JIC in today’s complex response environment. The course topics, applicable to both large and small incidents, are based on best practices and relevant industry guidelines, including the National Response Team (NRT) JIC Manual and the National Incident Management System (NIMS). Participants will leave the course with a thorough understanding of the important role of a JIC and the connection to the Incident Command System (ICS), Multiagency Coordination System (MACS), and the Joint Information System (JIS).

Specific course topics include:

  • Defining the Joint Information System (JIS) and how the JIC operations within it
  • Exploring the relationship between the JIC and the Incident Command System (ICS) and Multiagency Coordination System (MACS)
  • Functional responsibilities of the JIC
  • Activating and establishing a JIC with various response partners and stakeholders and effectively integrating them into a single JIC organization
  • Explaining the responsibilities of the JIC Manager and relationship to the PIO
  • Organizing and staffing a JIC for incidents of various sizes and complexity
  • Explaining the roles and responsibilities of critical JIC staff positions (Assistant PIO positions)
  • JIC information management and flow procedures, including information gathering and release of information
  • The role of technology in the JIC
  • Establishing a daily JIC schedule and routine
  • Explaining the purpose and key components of daily JIC briefings
  • Discussing best practices for JIC success
  • Review of various types of JICS and JIC organizational models and processes, including the NRT JIC model and relevant NIMS guidance

This new course also features EMSI’s new Joint Information Center job aid, designed to aid responders working an incident by providing critical checklists and best practices at their fingertips. In addition to the JIC course and job aid, EMSI has recently released an updated ICS Public Information Officer course (ICS-403) and an updated ICS Public Information Officer job aid.