Wayne County first responders hear the latest at emergency management meeting

The integration of tools such as drones, artificial intelligence and real-time data analytics is set to revolutionize the work of first responders. However, a tried-and-tested concept from the 1970s is still in use – the Incident Command System (ICS).

By adopting the principles and structure of the ICS, emergency responders can coordinate their efforts, optimize communications, and allocate resources more strategically, ultimately leading to better outcomes in crisis situations. The Wayne County Emergency Management Agency (EMA) recently hosted a three-day ICS course at the Wooster Safety Center.

“The ICS concept ensures that everyone is on the same page,” said Barb Pittard, director of the Emergency Management Agency. “This is not something that is decided at the time of an emergency; it is how first responders handle any crisis, whether it is a local fire or something as large as 9/11.”

Flexible framework for managing incidents of any size

The ICS is a standardized approach to on-site all-hazard management used by emergency responders around the world.

Developed in response to the devastating California wildfires, ICS provides a flexible framework for managing incidents of any size and complexity, from small local emergencies to large-scale disasters.