Course Overview

Course Overview

The Incident Commander Course is designed to equip participants with the leadership, coordination, and critical decision-making skills required to manage emergencies and incidents effectively. The course provides a comprehensive understanding of the Incident Command System (ICS), emergency response frameworks, legal responsibilities, and best practices for commanding operational teams during incidents across various industries, including health and safety, construction, logistics, and energy.
Participants will learn to take strategic control during emergencies, ensure safety, minimize risks, coordinate resources efficiently, and restore normalcy as quickly and effectively as possible.

Duration: 5 Days

Learning Outcomes

By the end of the course, participants will be able to:
• Understand and apply the principles of the Incident Command System (ICS).
• Take command during different types of incidents and lead effective responses.
• Analyze and assess evolving incident situations and make critical decisions under pressure.
• Communicate effectively with internal teams, external agencies, and stakeholders during incidents.
• Develop, implement, and adjust incident action plans in dynamic environments.
• Manage resources and prioritize objectives to ensure life safety, incident stabilization, and asset preservation.
• Understand the legal, ethical, and operational responsibilities associated with incident management.

Course Content

Day 1: Introduction to Incident Command and ICS Fundamentals

• Module 1: Introduction to Incident Command
o Understanding the Role of an Incident Commander
o Types of Incidents: Industrial, Environmental, Security, Medical

• Module 2: Fundamentals of the Incident Command System (ICS)
o ICS Structure and Functions
o Command, Operations, Planning, Logistics, Finance
o Chain of Command and Unity of Command Principles

Day 2: Leadership, Decision-Making, and Action Planning

• Module 3: Leadership and Decision-Making Under Pressure
o Critical Decision-Making in Dynamic Situations
o Managing Stress and Maintaining Situational Awareness
• Module 4: Developing and Implementing an Incident Action Plan
o Setting Operational Objectives and Strategies
o Resource Allocation and Prioritization
o Adapting Plans Based on Changing Conditions

Day 3: Communication and Risk Management During Incidents
• Module 5: Effective Communication During Incidents
o Internal Communication Techniques
o Dealing with External Stakeholders and Media
o Managing Information Flow and Public Messaging
• Module 6: Risk Assessment and Safety Management
o Conducting Rapid Risk Assessments
o Implementing Risk Mitigation Strategies
o Protecting Response Teams and the Public

Day 4: Post-Incident Activities and Legal Considerations
• Module 7: Post-Incident Recovery and Reporting
o Transitioning from Response to Recovery
o Debriefing Techniques and Lessons Learned
o Completing Incident Reports and Compliance Documentation
• Module 8: Legal and Ethical Considerations
o Understanding Regulatory Requirements (e.g., OSHA, OHS Act, Disaster Management Act)
o Ethical Leadership and Decision-Making During Crisis Situations

Day 5: Final Simulation, Practical Exercises, and Assessment
• Full-Day Incident Command Simulation Exercise
• Group Scenario-Based Role Play: Taking Command During a Major Incident
• Incident Action Plan Presentation and Critique
• Written Knowledge Assessment (Exam)
Course Difficulty: Advance