THE INCIDENT COMMAND (IC) TEAM
The IC Team is the management nucleus of a NCSSAR incident. It is comprised of three internal sections: logistics, planning and operations. On a search, IC Team members gather details on the missing subject(s) from the Hasty Team and sheriff’s deputies and develop search strategies based on this information. They brief each available SAR team on their mission and are responsible for keeping track of each searcher and any intelligence gathered during the incident. The IC Team works from a “home base” maintaining radio communications, mapping and search documentation. It may also call in for additional resources, like helicopters, medical teams, or volunteers from other counties. When SAR teams return from the field, IC debriefs them on the search and downloads their GPS tracks to record covered areas. The IC Team’s job does not end until the missing subject(s) is located, whether it takes a few hours or a several days. |
WHAT IT TAKES...
Members of the IC Team are experienced searchers, team players and above all, strong leaders. They excel at computer and mapping tasks with careful attention to detail and are comfortable delegating responsibilities to their teammates. Because the IC Team works in a high-pressure environment, often for long periods of time, members must be efficient and deadline-oriented as they manage and document each valuable detail of a search. IC Team members expand their training by completing a five-day search management course through the California Emergency Management Agency. |