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TRA4

HOW TO SET UP AN ICP..... 

 

 

Module  : TRA4
Level      : Advanced
Revised  : 04-06-2002

 

 

Details the procedures to establish an effective Incident Command Post for SAR operations with respect to command structure, communications, location, personnel and organisation.

 

 

First presented at the Athenaeum on the 18th of August 1988.
© RvS DELTA SEARCH & RESCUE

  1. GENERAL

  1. THE PURPOSE of an ICP (JOC) is to bring together all agencies involved in a SEARCH and/or RESCUE, and to CO-ORDINATE and CONTROL the operation utilising the INFORMATION and RESOURCES available.
  2. The ICP is in fact an INCIDENT COMMAND POST which has the Global Picture of the situation at all times.
  3. The COMMAND TEAM has the responsibity for "Rescue Management and Planning" - never plan lone. 
  4. Effective COMMUNICATIONS is vital for the proper functioning of the Command Centre.
  5. The ICP serves as a STAGING AREA for men and equipment providing logistical support to the operation.
  6. A Communications Log must be maintained throughout the operation to facilitate thorough de-briefing, future planning and training. 
  7. Food and drink must be made available for search and rescue teams as well as the Command Team. 
  1. The Base should provide for rest, sanitation, first-aid, briefing, press liaison etc.
  2. The ICP can be moved at any time during the operation if the situation demands. 
  3. Forward Bases can be set up if required. 

 

  1. COMMS

  1. There must be good Radio Comms with all parties in the field, on foot, in vehicles or in the air.
  2. It is important to have a link to the Telephone system; either -
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Direct

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Via ZERO 2

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Via Metro Control

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Via a DSAR member

  1. Signal Diagrams must be drawn up to assist with proper net planning and control. (Course TRB3 will cover) 

  2. Net call-signs must be allocated to all field parties. 

  3. Relays must be set up to cover the anticipated field of operations effectively. (Course TRB4)

  4. If Choppers are being used, it is important to have a Ground-to-Air frequency separate from any Ground-to-Ground frequencies. 

  5. If the chopper has a Marine radio fitted, ask the pilot to switch to CH ‘0’, 156.000MHz. Some choppers will have METRO channels, in which case use CH 1 Simplex.

  6. If the chopper arrives with a Dittel portable airband radio, this can be used for air comms on 122.400 MHz AM, or a frequency allocated by the SAAF.

  7. For Ground-to-Ground Comms, frequencies for a Command Net as well as one or more Tactical Nets should be allocated.

  8. TAC 1-4 and METRO Ch1 are available for Ground-to-Ground Comms.

  9. Avoid duplication of orders via bad relays. Remember, a chopper can probably hear all stations on the ground, ie., the party originating the message, the relay, and the ICP. Therefore the importance of two frequencies to avoid confusion. 

  10. Radios at base must remain on at all times. The condition of a patient in the field might change during the night, and suitable medical advice might be requested.

  11. Keep a log of all messages. Use the ComLog forms supplied, and if possible make use of a scribe. Ideally one log per net should be kept.

 

  1. LOCATION

      The location of the ICP or Command Centre may be determined by factors such as -

  1.  Reliability of Communication links to field parties - ESSENTIAL!

  2. Availability of Telephone link and expected usage or comms to a telephone link station.

  3.  Access by rescue Vehicles

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Comms vehicles

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Personnel transport vehicles

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Rescue equipment transport vehicles

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Ambulances

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SAP

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Nature Conservation & Forestry vehicles

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Forestry vehicles

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SAAF Bowsers

  1. Access to search area or accident scene by Rescue Teams. 

  2. Proximity to a Landing Zone (LZ) for choppers.                    

  3.  Ownership of the land - obtain permission.

  4.  Saftey and sanitation for all SAR personnel.

  5.   Adequate Space for all personnel, equipment and activities envisaged.

  6.  Security of vehicles and equipment.

  7.  Public interference.

  8.  The ICP can be situated at a house if there is a suitable comms link to the field parties.

  9.  An office is also useful, especially as there are usually extra telephone lines. Use one for incoming and one for outgoing calls.

  10.  If the ICP is relocated during the operation, care must be taken to inform all field parties prior to and immediately after the move. If possible, comms should be maintained during the move from a Command Vehicle. A vehicle may be left at the first base to perform this function.

  11.  If a Forward Base is established, there must be a reliable comms link to the Command Centre. A telephone link is not required.

  12.  If the Forward Base is being served by choppers, vehicular access may not be required. (e.g. high in the mountains)

 

  1. PERSONNEL – INCIDENT COMMAND TEAM STRUCTURE

    1. Responsible Officer (SAP)   - The SAP have overall legal responsibility for searching for missing persons and/or evacuating injured or dead persons.

    2. Incident Commander (Search Manager) - Responsible for: 

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Establishing command

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Ensuring responder safety

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Assessing incident priorities

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Determining operational objectives

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Developing and implementing the incident action plan (IAP)

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Developing an appropriate organisational structure

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Maintaining a manageable span of control

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Managing incident resources

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Coordinating overall emergency activities

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Coordinating the activities of outside agencies

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Authorising the release of information to the media

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Keeping track of costs

  1. Information Officer – handles all media inquiries and coordinates the release of information to the media.

  2. Safety Officer – monitors safety conditions and develops measures for ensuring the safety of all assigned personnel.

  3. Liaison Officer  - On scene contact for other agencies assigned to the incident.

  4. Deputy IC (Deputy SAR Manager) -  Always at base to assist as directed.

  5. Communications Officer - DSAR or METRO. Establishes comms net,  briefs about frequencies and call-signs, takes care of radio procedure.

  6. Field Leader - Co-ordinates, briefs and debriefs all field parties. Reports to RO. 

  7. Air Liaison Officer - SAAF RLO - Controls choppers. 

  8. Scribe - Maintains a concise chronological   rescue log.

  9. Medical Officer - Metro or doctor 

  10. Equipment Officer - Looks after and controls issuing and receipt back of climbing equipment.

  11. Transport Co-ordinator Logistics Officer - Co-ordinates transport of personnel and equipment. Locates and provides supplies and equipment for the operation.

  12. Caterer  - Supply food and drink to all personnel. 

  13. Human Relations Officer - Responsible for keeping friends and relatives of missing and/or injured as well as relatives of rescue personnel informed.

  14. Team Leaders - In charge of a field party and  given specific tasks by the Field Leader.

  1. ORGANISATION

    1. Plan the layout of ICP...Vehicles, table for maps, radios, LZ,  briefing area, kitchen, etc.                                      

    2. The IC and the Command Team must work in a quiet place away from crowds and conflicting suggestions. 

    3. There must be a table with a MAP for the IC and Planning Section.

    4. All information must be plotted on the map. Anyone coming in to the ICP must immediately be able to brief himself from the map.

    5. Plan using the principle of "LOCATE, REACH, STABILISE, EVACUATE."

    6. An Organisational chart for the IC could be useful. 

    7. All parties, ground (climbing or vehicle) and air, must be briefed thoughroughly before leaving the ICP.

    8. A Briefing board could be useful for briefing field parties and the media.

    9. Pay attention to the needs of the family of the missing person. They should not be allowed into the CP or Comms Centre, but should be accommodated nearby where they are accessible to the IC.

    10. A Human Relations Officer should be assigned to take care of them, keep them informed of the progress of the operation and obtain any helpful information that they might have. The IC or sa member of his team should also take time to brief them and to listen to their concerns. It is important to make them feel productive.

    11. The media should not be given free access to family members. If any family members agree to talk to the media, this should be done in a neutral area  away from other family members or the CP/Comms area.

    12. Plan to take into account possible equipment failures. 

    13. Plan for any unforseen circumstances that could occur. 

    14. A full operational debrief must be held at the end of the operation. 

    15. Consider scheduling a Critical Incident Stress (CIS) (TRD18) debrief after the operation.

 

=============Copyright==1988=2002=============================RvS=============

 
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