ICS 700.B: An Introduction to the National Incident Management System

ICS700: This course provides an overview of the National Incident Management System (NIMS). The National Incident Management System defines the comprehensive approach guiding the whole community - all levels of government, nongovernmental organizations (NGO), and the private sector - to work together seamlessly to prevent, protect against, mitigate, respond to, and recover from the effects of incidents. The course provides learners with a basic understanding of NIMS concepts, principles, and components.          

At the end of this course, students will be able to:

• Describe and identify the key concepts, principles, scope, and applicability underlying NIMS.

• Describe activities and methods for managing resources.

• Describe the NIMS Management Characteristics.

• Identify and describe Incident Command System (ICS) organizational structures.

• Explain Emergency Operations Center (EOC) functions, common models for staff organization, and activation levels.

• Explain the interconnectivity within the NIMS Management and Coordination structures: ICS, EOC, Joint Information System (JIS), and Multiagency Coordination Groups (MAC Groups).

• Identify and describe the characteristics of communications and information systems, effective communication, incident information, and communication standards and formats.