Which Type Of Ics Facility Is Used To Temporarily Position

The Incident Command System (ICS) is a standardized, on-scene, all-hazard incident management concept. It's a cornerstone of emergency response in many countries, providing a scalable and flexible framework for managing incidents of varying complexity. One critical aspect of ICS is the establishment and utilization of various facilities to support incident operations. These facilities serve different purposes, and their selection depends on the incident's size, scope, and resources. Understanding which type of ICS facility is used to temporarily position resources is crucial for effective incident management. This article will delve into the various ICS facilities, focusing on the Staging Area as the primary location for temporary resource positioning.

Understanding ICS Facilities

ICS relies on a hierarchical organizational structure, and physical facilities support that structure. These facilities provide locations for personnel to perform specific functions, communicate effectively, and coordinate resources. Here's an overview of the most common ICS facilities:

Incident Command Post (ICP): The ICP is the central location for command and control during an incident. It's where the Incident Commander (IC) and the Command Staff operate, making strategic decisions and coordinating overall incident activities. The ICP should be strategically located to provide good communication and access to the incident scene but also ensure safety and security.
Base: The Base is the primary logistics support location. It's where primary support activities are conducted, such as providing food, sleeping areas, and sanitation for incident personnel. The Base can be co-located with other facilities, but its primary function is to support the overall logistical needs of the incident. A Base typically has a larger footprint than a Staging Area.
Staging Area: The Staging Area is the key facility for temporarily positioning resources. It is a temporary location where resources (personnel, equipment, and vehicles) are assembled and await assignment. Staging Areas are strategically located to provide rapid access to the incident scene while keeping resources organized and ready for deployment. This is the primary focus of this article.
Camp: A Camp provides sleeping, food, sanitation, and minor maintenance and servicing of equipment in support of incident operations. Camps are typically self-sufficient and are used when the incident duration extends over multiple days, and resources are needed closer to the incident than the Base can provide.
Helibase: A Helibase is a location from which helicopter-centered air operations are conducted. Helibases are typically used on larger incidents where aircraft provide logistical support or conduct reconnaissance or search and rescue missions.
Helispot: A Helispot is a temporary location where helicopters can land and take off. Helispots are often located closer to the incident site than Helibases and are used for shorter-duration operations.

The Staging Area: Your Temporary Resource Hub

The Staging Area is the ICS facility specifically designed for temporarily positioning resources. It's a critical component of effective incident management because it ensures that resources are:

Organized: Resources are assembled and tracked in a systematic manner.
Available: Resources are readily accessible and can be deployed quickly when needed.
Accounted For: The location and status of all resources in the Staging Area are known at all times.
Safe: The Staging Area provides a safe location for resources to await assignment, away from the immediate hazards of the incident scene.

Key Functions of a Staging Area

The Staging Area serves several crucial functions during an incident:

Receiving Resources: Resources arriving at the incident are directed to the Staging Area.
Resource Tracking: The Staging Area Manager maintains a log of all resources, including personnel, equipment, and vehicles, that are located in the Staging Area. This ensures accountability and facilitates efficient deployment.
Briefing and Assignment: Resources receive briefings on their assigned tasks and are dispatched to the incident scene by the Staging Area Manager based on requests from the Operations Section.
Ready Reserve: The Staging Area provides a pool of resources that are ready to be deployed to the incident scene as needed, ensuring a flexible and responsive approach to incident management.
Rest and Rehabilitation: Depending on the incident, the Staging Area may also provide a location for personnel to rest and rehabilitate before being reassigned.

Staging Area Management

The Staging Area is managed by a Staging Area Manager, who reports to the Operations Section Chief. The Staging Area Manager is responsible for:

Selecting and establishing the Staging Area location.
Organizing the Staging Area layout for efficient resource flow.
Tracking resources entering and leaving the Staging Area.
Briefing resources on their assigned tasks and safety procedures.
Dispatching resources to the incident scene as directed by the Operations Section Chief.
Maintaining communication with the Operations Section Chief and other relevant personnel.
Ensuring the safety and security of the Staging Area.

The Staging Area Manager may have assistant Staging Area Managers to help manage the workload, especially in large or complex Staging Areas.

Location Selection Considerations

Selecting an appropriate location for the Staging Area is crucial for its effectiveness. Factors to consider include:

Proximity to the Incident: The Staging Area should be located close enough to the incident scene to allow for rapid deployment of resources but far enough away to avoid being impacted by the incident itself.
Accessibility: The Staging Area should be easily accessible by roads and highways to allow for the efficient movement of resources.
Size: The Staging Area should be large enough to accommodate the anticipated number of resources and vehicles.
Terrain: The terrain should be relatively flat and stable to allow for safe and efficient operations.
Availability of Utilities: Access to utilities such as water, electricity, and sanitation facilities can be beneficial, especially for longer-duration incidents.
Security: The Staging Area should be located in a secure area to prevent unauthorized access.
Environmental Considerations: The location should be environmentally sound and avoid sensitive areas.

Common locations for Staging Areas include:

Large parking lots
Fairgrounds
Airports
Parks
Roadside rest areas
Large open fields

Establishing and Operating a Staging Area: A Step-by-Step Guide

Here's a step-by-step guide on how to establish and operate a Staging Area:

Selection: The Staging Area Manager, in coordination with the Operations Section Chief, selects a suitable location based on the criteria outlined above.
Establishment: The Staging Area Manager establishes the Staging Area by:
- Setting up traffic control: Directing incoming resources to designated parking areas.
- Establishing a check-in area: Where resources report their arrival and provide information about their capabilities.
- Creating a resource tracking system: This can be a manual system using paper logs or an electronic system using software or spreadsheets.
- Setting up a communication system: To communicate with the Operations Section Chief and resources in the Staging Area.
- Ensuring safety and security: Posting safety guidelines and providing security personnel if needed.
Operation: The Staging Area Manager operates the Staging Area by:
- Receiving Resources: Directing incoming resources to the check-in area.
- Tracking Resources: Maintaining a log of all resources in the Staging Area.
- Briefing Resources: Providing resources with information about the incident, their assigned tasks, and safety procedures.
- Dispatching Resources: Dispatching resources to the incident scene as directed by the Operations Section Chief.
- Maintaining Communication: Maintaining communication with the Operations Section Chief and other relevant personnel.
- Ensuring Safety and Security: Monitoring the Staging Area to ensure safety and security.
- Demobilization: Coordinating the demobilization of resources from the Staging Area when they are no longer needed.
Documentation: The Staging Area Manager maintains accurate documentation of all Staging Area activities, including:
- Resource logs
- Briefing materials
- Dispatch records
- Communication logs
- Safety reports

The Importance of Clear Communication

Effective communication is paramount in a Staging Area. The Staging Area Manager must maintain clear and consistent communication with the Operations Section Chief, the resources in the Staging Area, and other relevant personnel. Communication methods may include:

Radio: Two-way radios are essential for communication between the Staging Area and the incident scene.
Cell Phones: Cell phones can be used for communication, but their reliability can be affected by signal strength and network congestion.
Runners: In some cases, runners may be used to deliver messages between the Staging Area and the incident scene.
Public Address System: A public address system can be used to communicate with resources in the Staging Area.
Whiteboards/Message Boards: These can be used to display information such as assignments, safety messages, and other important announcements.

Common Challenges in Staging Area Management

Managing a Staging Area can present several challenges, including:

Rapidly Changing Conditions: Incident conditions can change rapidly, requiring adjustments to Staging Area operations.
Resource Overload: The Staging Area can become overwhelmed with resources, making it difficult to track and manage them effectively.
Communication Difficulties: Communication can be challenging, especially in large or complex Staging Areas.
Safety Hazards: The Staging Area can be a hazardous environment due to vehicle traffic, heavy equipment, and other potential dangers.
Logistical Support: Providing adequate logistical support to resources in the Staging Area can be challenging, especially for longer-duration incidents.
Coordination Issues: Coordination between the Staging Area and other elements of the ICS organization can be challenging.

To overcome these challenges, it's essential to have a well-trained Staging Area Manager and staff, a clear understanding of ICS principles, and a robust communication system. Regular drills and exercises can also help prepare personnel for the challenges of managing a Staging Area.

Scientific Basis and Underlying Principles

While the application of Staging Areas within ICS might seem purely logistical, it is rooted in scientific principles of resource management and organizational efficiency.

Queueing Theory: Staging Areas can be viewed as implementing principles of queueing theory. By centralizing and organizing resources, the system minimizes the time resources spend waiting idly and optimizes the flow of resources to the incident where they are needed. This is especially important in dynamic environments where demands for specific resources may fluctuate rapidly.
Span of Control: The concept of span of control in organizational management dictates the optimal number of subordinates a supervisor can effectively manage. Staging Areas facilitate adherence to this principle by grouping resources under a Staging Area Manager, who then coordinates deployment based on instructions from the Operations Section Chief. This prevents the Operations Section Chief from being overwhelmed by directly managing numerous individual resources.
Situational Awareness: The Staging Area Manager is responsible for maintaining situational awareness regarding the resources at their disposal. This includes knowing the type, quantity, and capabilities of each resource, as well as their readiness status. This information is crucial for making informed decisions about resource allocation and deployment.
Risk Management: Staging Areas contribute to overall risk management by providing a safe and controlled environment for resources awaiting assignment. This reduces the risk of accidents and injuries that could occur if resources were haphazardly deployed directly to the incident scene.
Human Factors: The location and design of Staging Areas should consider human factors principles to optimize worker performance and minimize fatigue. This includes providing adequate lighting, shelter, and sanitation facilities, as well as minimizing travel distances within the Staging Area.
Complexity Theory: Incidents, particularly large-scale ones, are often complex adaptive systems. Staging Areas provide a degree of order and predictability within these complex systems, enabling a more coordinated and effective response. The ability to quickly assemble and deploy resources from the Staging Area allows for adaptation to changing incident conditions.

Conclusion: The Indispensable Role of the Staging Area

The Staging Area is an indispensable component of the Incident Command System. It provides a central location for temporarily positioning resources, ensuring that they are organized, available, accounted for, and safe. Effective management of the Staging Area is critical for successful incident management, enabling a rapid, coordinated, and efficient response to emergencies of all kinds. By understanding the principles and procedures outlined in this article, incident responders can maximize the effectiveness of Staging Areas and improve overall incident outcomes. From receiving and tracking resources, to briefing and dispatching them, the Staging Area, when managed effectively, is a force multiplier for incident response efforts.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) about ICS Staging Areas

Q: What is the difference between a Staging Area and a Base?
- A: A Staging Area is a temporary location for assembling resources awaiting assignment. A Base is a more permanent location for providing logistical support to incident personnel. The Base typically provides facilities for food, sleeping, and sanitation, while the Staging Area focuses on resource readiness and deployment.
Q: Who is in charge of the Staging Area?
- A: The Staging Area is managed by the Staging Area Manager, who reports to the Operations Section Chief.
Q: Where should a Staging Area be located?
- A: A Staging Area should be located close enough to the incident scene to allow for rapid deployment of resources but far enough away to avoid being impacted by the incident itself. It should also be easily accessible, large enough to accommodate the anticipated number of resources, and relatively flat and stable.
Q: What resources are typically found in a Staging Area?
- A: The resources found in a Staging Area will vary depending on the type of incident. However, typical resources include personnel, equipment, vehicles, and supplies.
Q: How are resources dispatched from the Staging Area?
- A: Resources are dispatched from the Staging Area by the Staging Area Manager, based on requests from the Operations Section Chief. The Staging Area Manager will brief the resources on their assigned tasks and provide them with any necessary equipment or supplies.
Q: What if the incident is small, do we still need a staging area?
- A: The need for a Staging Area is scalable to the incident. Even in smaller incidents, a designated area for incoming resources, even if it's just a corner of a parking lot, can help maintain order and accountability. It prevents resources from self-deploying or becoming disorganized.
Q: What happens if a Staging Area becomes too crowded?
- A: If a Staging Area becomes too crowded, the Staging Area Manager should coordinate with the Operations Section Chief to establish additional Staging Areas. It is better to have multiple, smaller, well-managed Staging Areas than one large, chaotic one. Careful monitoring of resource levels and proactive planning are key.
Q: What are some technologies that can assist in Staging Area management?
- A: Several technologies can improve Staging Area efficiency:
  - GPS tracking: To monitor the location of resources.
  - RFID tags: For automated resource identification and tracking.
  - Mobile apps: For check-in/check-out, communication, and resource management.
  - GIS mapping: For visualizing Staging Area layouts and resource locations.
Q: How do we ensure communication interoperability between different agencies at a Staging Area?
- A: Communication interoperability is a critical challenge. Pre-incident planning should include identifying common communication channels and protocols. Utilizing standard ICS forms and terminology helps. Investing in interoperable communication equipment and training is essential. Regularly testing communication systems with all participating agencies is vital.
Q: What safety considerations are paramount in a Staging Area?
- A: Several safety factors are crucial:
  - Traffic management: Clear traffic flow patterns and designated parking areas.
  - Personal Protective Equipment (PPE): Ensuring all personnel have and use appropriate PPE.
  - Hazard identification: Regularly assessing and mitigating potential hazards (e.g., uneven terrain, power lines).
  - Emergency procedures: Clearly defined procedures for medical emergencies, evacuations, and other contingencies.
  - Fatigue management: Encouraging rest and hydration, particularly during prolonged operations.
Q: How often should Staging Area procedures be reviewed and updated?
- A: Staging Area procedures should be reviewed and updated regularly, at least annually, and after any significant incident or exercise. This ensures that procedures remain relevant, effective, and aligned with best practices. The review process should involve feedback from personnel who have experience managing or working in Staging Areas.