If you need help understanding the concept of the ICS (Incident Command System), there is a simple and effective way to tackle it. This resource offers a great starting point to comprehend this important safety system. I have included four diagrams that represent my individual and non-offical perspective on the ICS process. Some official literature is also recommended for further reading.

1. ICS
Incident Command System
in a nutshell
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2. The ICS in a nutshell
The Incident Command System (ICS) is a standardized framework used for the command, control, and
coordination of emergency response, providing a common approach to the management of all incidents.
Originating in the United States in the 1970s, the ICS was developed in response to challenges faced during
wildfires in California, where the absence of a unified command system led to coordination and efficiency
issues. Since then, the ICS has evolved to become a fundamental component of the National Incident
Management System (NIMS), adopted to manage emergencies of any nature and size, ensuring quick and
effective response through the integration of resources from various agencies and sectors.
The process of the ICS is characterized by its flexibility and modularity, allowing it to be adapted to any
incident, regardless of its complexity or scope. The system promotes the unification of command, ensuring
that all involved agencies operate under a common set of procedures and terminology. The ICS is organized
around five main functions: Command, Operations, Planning, Logistics, and Finance/Administration, which
provide a framework for efficient resource management, operations coordination, and decision-making
support during emergency responses.

3. The Planning “P”
The “Operational Period Planning Cycle” (Planning “P”) in the
context of the Incident Command System (ICS) represents a
structured approach to incident planning and management,
visualized in the shape of the letter "P." This model outlines the
sequential steps involved in the planning process, starting from
the initial response and assessment at the straight leg of the "P,"
moving into the development and updating of objectives, and then
progressing through the preparation and execution of the action
plan as depicted in the circular part of the "P." This includes
meetings, planning sessions, and briefings that ensure a
coordinated and effective response to an incident. The "Planning
P" emphasizes the importance of a cyclical planning process,
allowing for continuous reassessment and adjustment of the
action plan as the situation evolves, thereby ensuring adaptability
and effectiveness in incident management.
EXTRACTED FROM - E/L/G
0300 INTERMEDIATE
INCIDENT COMMAND
SYSTEM FOR EXPANDING
INCIDENTS, ICS 300

4. How the ICS process is typically executed
• The process begins when an incident is identified and reported.
• An initial assessment is conducted to understand the scope and scale of the incident.
• Based on the assessment, the ICS structure is activated.
• An Incident Commander (IC) is designated to lead the response efforts.
• Necessary personnel, resources, and equipment are mobilized.
• The IC sets up an Incident Command Post (ICP) and begins to develop an Incident Action Plan (IAP).
• The IC organizes the response effort into five major functional areas: Command, Operations, Planning, Logistics, and
Finance/Administration.
• Each area may have several specialized positions or units activated depending on the incident's requirements.
• The Planning Section develops the IAP with input from all other sections.
• The IAP outlines the overall strategy, objectives, and tactics for managing the incident.
• The IAP is updated and revised in regular planning cycles throughout the incident.
• The Operations Section leads the execution of the tactical activities specified in the IAP.
• Coordination with other agencies and partners is essential for effective execution.
• The Logistics Section is responsible for providing facilities, services, personnel, equipment, and materials.
• The Finance/Administration Section manages costs related to the incident, including procurement and claims.
• Information about the incident and response efforts is managed and disseminated to internal and external stakeholders.
• The IC or a designated Information Officer ensures that communication is consistent and accurate.
• Once the objectives of the IAP have been met, the process of demobilization begins.
• Resources are released, and personnel are demobilized in a planned and organized manner.
• Transition to recovery operations is initiated, focusing on restoring the affected area to its pre-incident condition.
• After the incident is concluded, a review or after-action report is developed.
• The goal is to identify successes, challenges, and areas for improvement.
• Lessons learned are documented and integrated into future training and planning efforts.

5. The five ICS “must-know” topics
Unified Command Structure
ICS emphasizes a unified
command structure, ensuring
a collaborative approach
among all participating
agencies and organizations.
This structure helps to
eliminate jurisdictional
boundaries and facilitates
effective and efficient incident
management by providing a
clear chain of command and
an organized process for
decision-making and resource
allocation.
Scalability and Flexibility
One of the core strengths of
the ICS is its scalability and
flexibility, allowing it to be
adjusted according to the size,
scope, and complexity of the
incident. The system can
expand or contract to meet the
needs of the situation, from a
single-unit response to a large-
scale multi-agency operation,
ensuring that the response is
proportional to the incident.
Standardized Organization
ICS provides a standardized
organizational structure that
integrates a consistent
terminology and a set of
predefined management
positions and responsibilities.
This standardization ensures
that all personnel, regardless
of their agency or geographical
location, can work together
effectively. The five main
functional areas under ICS are
Command, Operations,
Planning, Logistics, and
Finance/Administration.
Management by Objectives
The ICS process operates on
the principle of management
by objectives. This involves
setting clear, achievable
objectives for the incident
response, developing
strategies based on these
objectives, assigning
resources, and executing plans
to accomplish the objectives.
This methodical approach
ensures that all efforts are
focused and coordinated
towards the same goals.
Comprehensive Resource
Management
Effective management of
resources, including
personnel, equipment, and
supplies, is fundamental to the
success of incident
management. ICS includes
processes for identifying,
ordering, mobilizing, and
managing resources efficiently
and effectively. This ensures
that resources are available
when needed and can be
deployed quickly to where they
are most required, avoiding
duplication of efforts and
resource wastage.

6. BONUS: four ICS diagrams
The Incident Command System (ICS) is a structured framework used for managing emergencies and crises.
While the official documentation and training provide comprehensive guidance on implementing ICS, visual
aids such as diagrams can offer a unique and intuitive understanding of the system. The four types of
diagrams discussed here— mindmap, timeline, sequence, and procedural steps — reflect a particular and
non-official interpretation of the ICS process, aiming to elucidate the complexities of incident management
from a distinct perspective. This introduction and the diagrams that follow are the author's attempt to simplify
and visualize the ICS framework, offering an alternative viewpoint to grasp the intricate processes and
hierarchical structure of ICS.
It's important to note that these visual representations are crafted to aid in understanding and are not
substitutes for official ICS training or documentation. Each diagram type caters to different aspects of ICS,
ranging from its conceptual underpinnings to the chronological execution of tasks, providing a multifaceted
view of incident management. It’s also provided with Mermaid codes if you want to edit/adapt as you wish.
Enjoy!

7. Mindmap Diagram
mindmap
root((ICS Process))
IC["Incident Commander"]
Operations((Operations))
TaskExecution["Task Execution"]
ProgressReporting["Progress Reporting"]
Planning((Planning))
ActionPlanDevelopment["Action Plan Development"]
PlanUpdating["Plan Updating"]
Logistics((Logistics))
ResourceRequest["Resource Request"]
ResourceDelivery["Resource Delivery"]
Finance((Finance))
BudgetApproval["Budget Approval"]
ExpenseMonitoring["Expense Monitoring"]
Assessment["Incident Occurrence and Assessment"]
Mobilization["Activation and Mobilization"]
Establishment["Incident Command System Establishment"]
IAPDevelopment["Development of the Incident Action Plan"]
Execution["Execution of the Plan"]
ResourceManagement["Resource Management"]
InformationManagement["Information Management and Communication"]
Demobilization["Demobilization and Recovery"]
PostIncident["Post-Incident Analysis and After-Action Reporting"]

8. Timeline Diagram
timeline
title ICS Process Key Phases
section Incident Command System Process
Activation : Incident Commander is designated
Planning Phase : Development of action plans
Resource Mobilization : Logistics arranges for resources
Execution : Operations carries out tasks
Monitoring : Finance and Planning monitor progress and expenses
Demobilization : Resources and personnel are demobilized
Post-Incident Analysis : Review and analysis of the response effort

9. Sequence Diagram
%%{init: {'theme':'default', 'themeVariables': {
'primaryColor': '#ADD8E6', 'lineColor': '#ADD8E6',
'textColor': '#000000'}}}%%
sequenceDiagram
participant Incident Commander as IC
participant Operations
participant Planning
participant Logistics
participant Finance
IC->>Operations: Assign tasks
IC->>Planning: Develop action plan
IC->>Logistics: Request resources
IC->>Finance: Approve budget
Operations->>Planning: Report progress
Planning-->>IC: Update plan
Logistics->>Operations: Deliver resources
Finance-->>IC: Monitor expenses
IC->>All: Coordinate efforts
Note right of IC: Central command and control

10. Procedural Steps Diagram
graph TB
IC(Incident Commander)
Operations
Planning
Logistics
Finance
IC -->|Assigns tasks| Operations
IC -->|Develops action plan| Planning
IC -->|Requests resources| Logistics
IC -->|Approves budget| Finance
Operations -->|Reports progress| Planning
Planning -->|Updates plan| IC
Logistics -->|Delivers resources| Operations
Finance -->|Monitors expenses| IC
style IC fill:#ADD8E6,stroke:#333,stroke-width:2px
style Operations fill:#f9f,stroke:#333,stroke-width:2px
style Planning fill:#bbf,stroke:#333,stroke-width:2px
style Logistics fill:#fbf,stroke:#333,stroke-width:2px
style Finance fill:#bfb,stroke:#333,stroke-width:2px

11. Discover everything you need to know about
the ICS. Are you curious to learn more?
 Official FEMA site (Federal Emergency Management Agency)