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The incident command system in disasters: evaluation methods for a hospital-based exercise.

Tamara L Thomas1, Edbert B Hsu, Hong K Kim

  • 1Department of Emergency Medicine, Loma Linda University School of Medicine, Loma Linda, California, USA.

Prehospital and Disaster Medicine
|March 8, 2005
PubMed
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A new objective evaluation method for the Incident Command System (ICS) in disaster exercises was developed and piloted. This method identified specific ICS problem areas, enabling targeted improvements for disaster response.

Area of Science:

  • Disaster management
  • Emergency response systems
  • Public health preparedness

Background:

  • Objective evaluation methods for the Incident Command System (ICS) in disaster exercises are currently lacking.
  • Standardized tools are needed to assess ICS functionality during simulations.
  • Effective ICS performance is crucial for successful disaster response.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To derive and pilot a novel method for the objective evaluation of Incident Command System (ICS) function in disaster simulations.
  • To quantify key performance indicators of ICS operations during a disaster exercise.
  • To identify specific areas for improvement within the ICS framework.

Main Methods:

  • Developed a comprehensive variable list for ICS function.

Related Experiment Videos

  • Created and piloted four distinct quantitative and qualitative ICS evaluation methods.
  • Collected data on provider-victim interaction delay times using participant and observer instruments.
  • Administered post-exercise surveys to assess knowledge and perceptions of roles, organization, and communication.
  • Employed direct observation and structured debriefing sessions.

    • Main Results:

    • The pilot exercise involved 45 volunteers and 20 mock victims.
    • Quantified delay times for victim triage, scene evacuation, and definitive treatment.
    • Observed patterns indicating independent rescuer activities rather than fully ICS-directed efforts.
    • Identified specific problem areas within the ICS structure and function.
    • Triage, evacuation, and treatment times varied significantly by victim acuity and proximity to the scene.

    Conclusions:

    • A structured, objective, and quantitative evaluation of ICS function is feasible.
    • This evaluation method can effectively identify deficiencies in disaster response.
    • Identified deficiencies provide a focus for subsequent improvement efforts in ICS operations.