EMSI Initial Response Training Courses Fill a Critical Shortfall in Initial Response ICS Training

Standard NIMS ICS training curriculum typically falls short in addressing initial response issues and preparing responders for effectively utilizing ICS in the initial response phase of an incident (stem of the Operational Planning Cycle (“P”)). While ICS-200 is intended for single resources and initial action incidents, the concepts tend to be more foundational and less practical. The next level of system training, ICS-300, quickly jumps out of the initial response phase and focuses on “expanding incidents”, while most position and team training place a heavy emphasis on the proactive, managed phase of the incident (cyclical part of the P) for Type 3 and beyond incidents.

Recognizing this critical initial response ICS training shortfall, EMSI has developed two courses that better prepare incident response personnel for managing the initial stages of the response.

The first course is the ICS-210 Initial Response Incident Commander course. As a position course intended for responders who may serve as Incident Commander in the initial stages of a more complex incident (Type 3 or greater) or for the duration of a less complex incident (Type 4 or 5), this course prepares response personnel to assume command in the initial response and establish a solid incident management groundwork upon which follow-on response actions can be based. The concepts taught in the ICS-210 build upon foundational initial response and initial action topics taught in ICS-200, while highlighting practical concepts and preparing response personnel to function effectively in the position of Initial Response Incident Commander. EMSI has previously delivered this course, as well as variations of the course, to several clients, including Federal Agents and Convoy Commanders from the Department of Energy/National Nuclear Security Administration (DOE/NNSA) Office of Secure Transportation (OST) and Team Leaders from the DOE/NNSA Radiological Assistance Program (RAP). The Incident Commander concepts taught in the ICS-210 course compliment concepts taught in other EMSI Incident Commander courses including ICS-310 All-Hazards Incident Commander and ICS-410 Advanced Incident Commander.

The second course is the ICS-220 Initial Response Team course. A team course intended to prepare a group of responders to function as an initial response Incident Management Team, this course focuses on establishing the initial response organization and working as an IMT in the initial, and oftentimes chaotic, stages of an incident. While developing a team approach to initial response incident management, ICS-220 focuses on the functions of Command and key members of the Command Staff, General Staff, and a few Unit Leaders during the initial response phase of an incident. For more complex incidents (Type 3 or greater), it prepares teams to manage the initial response until a transition to a full IMT. For less complex incidents (Type 4 or 5), it prepares teams to effectively manage the incident until closeout and demobilization. EMSI has delivered several iterations of this course to our clients in the oil and gas, and transportation industries. Presented in a discussion and exercise format, this course places a heavy emphasis on participant interactions and activities. As such, this course can be used to satisfy requirements for a National Preparedness for Response Exercise Program (PREP) IMT Table Top Exercise (TTX). The IMT concepts taught in the ICS-220 course compliment concepts taught in other EMSI IMT courses, including the ICS-320 IMT Course and ICS-420 Advanced IMT Course.

As with nearly all EMSI training, both the ICS-210 and ICS-220, are activity intensive, scenario-driven training courses that incorporate the latest in adult learning principles and incident management training concepts. Both the ICS-210 and ICS-220 are taught with the EMSI Initial Response Job Aid.

EMSI is a premier all-hazards, full-service, multi-discipline incident management and emergency management services and solutions provider. Additionally, EMSI is a global leader in the application of the Incident Command System (ICS) for all-risk, all-hazard, multi-discipline incidents. Our ICS related services include ICS training development and delivery, ICS-themed exercises, ICS coaching, and response. Contact EMSI to learn more about the ICS-210, ICS-220, and other incident management services.