Catalog Description

Hours: 12 lecture
Description: Aligns with I-200: Incident Command System of the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMS) ICS Program. This course is an introduction to the Incident Command System (ICS) National Training curriculum. Includes principles and features, organization overview, incident facilities, resources, and common responsibilities. ICS 200 certification is the minimum requirement for attending ICS 200 level courses and functioning in a Unit Leader position during an incident. (C-ID FIRE 231X) (not transferable)

Course Student Learning Outcomes

  • CSLO #1: Describe and explain the basic terminology used in the Incident Command System.
  • CSLO #2: Describe the use of branches, divisions, and groups within the Operations Section and provide supervisory titles associated with each level.
  • CSLO #3: Create an ICS organization appropriate to a small incident using an Incident Briefing form.
  • CSLO #4: Determine the need for proper incident resource management.

Effective Term

Fall 2019

Course Type

Credit - Degree-applicable

Contact Hours

12

Outside of Class Hours

24

Total Student Learning Hours

36

Course Objectives

1. Describe and explain the basic terminology used in the Incident Command System;
2. Analyze how the incident organization expands or contracts to meet operational needs of the incident or event;
3. Investigate the use of branches, divisions, and groups within the Operations Section and provide supervisory titles associated with each level;
4. Assemble a list of the essential elements of information involved in transfer of command;
5. Assign organizational positions with appropriate ICS sections;
6. Create an ICS organization appropriate to a small incident using an Incident Briefing form;
7. Compare each of the principal facilities used in conjunction with ICS and explain the purpose and use of each;
8. Assess which facilities may be located together at an incident or event;
9. Assess how the various incident facilities are used and managed to support an incident or event;
10. Identify appropriate map symbols associated with incident facilities;
11. Evaluate the need for proper incident resource management;
12. Analyze three ways of managing resources and the advantages of each;
13. Justify the purpose of resource typing;
14. Compare the three resource status conditions used at an incident and the purpose and limits associated with each;
15. Investigate how resource status is changed, how notification of changes are made, and how status is maintained at an incident or event;
16. Outline actions to be accomplished prior to leaving for an incident or event;
17. Analyze the steps involved at incident check-in;
18. Assess major personal responsibilities at an incident or event; and
19. Diagram the major steps necessary in the incident or event demobilization process.

General Education Information

  • Approved College Associate Degree GE Applicability
    • CSU GE Applicability (Recommended-requires CSU approval)
      • Cal-GETC Applicability (Recommended - Requires External Approval)
        • IGETC Applicability (Recommended-requires CSU/UC approval)

          Articulation Information

          • Not Transferable

          Methods of Evaluation

          • Objective Examinations
            • Example: Students will take a multiple-choice test on the components of the Incident Command staff. Standard Grading. Example question: How many positions make up the command staff? A. 1, B. 2, C. 3, D. 4
          • Reports
            • Example: Students will write a report outlining the duties and responsibilities of the Operations Section Chief. Rubric Grading. 2. Students will write a report comparing the requirements of a Strike Team to the requirements of a Task Force. Rubric Grading.

          Repeatable

          No

          Methods of Instruction

          • Lecture/Discussion

          Lecture:

          1. The instructor will lecture on general responsibilities of command and general staff within the incident command system. Students will work in small groups to identify the responsibilities of the various sub-positions within the system.
          2. The instructor will lead a discussion on the theory of span of control. The students will then discuss in small groups when the principles of span of control may be modified and be prepared to provide specific examples in the class.

          Typical Out of Class Assignments

          Reading Assignments

          1. The student will read the material from the text on common responsibilities of various ICS positions and be prepared to give specific examples of the responsibilities in a classroom discussion. 2. The student will read the material identifying the correct titles of personnel in various supervisory positions and will then complete a worksheet where they will diagram the incident command system organizational structure.

          Writing, Problem Solving or Performance

          1. Diagram the basic ICS organization including the command staff and general staff positions. 2. Identify and defend when branches, divisions and groups, strike teams and task forces and single resources should be utilized.

          Other (Term projects, research papers, portfolios, etc.)

          Required Materials

          • Incident Command System National Training Curriculum
            • Author: National Wildfire Coordinating Group
            • Publisher: NWCG
            • Publication Date: 2006
            • Text Edition:
            • Classic Textbook?:
            • OER Link:
            • OER:
          • National Incident Management System, Principles & Practice
            • Author: Walsh, Christen, Lord, Miller, Maniscalco, Callsen, Dolan
            • Publisher: Jones & Bartlett
            • Publication Date: 2012
            • Text Edition: 2nd
            • Classic Textbook?:
            • OER Link:
            • OER:

          Other materials and-or supplies required of students that contribute to the cost of the course.

          Course packs