ICS PLP - FHWA Operations · Web viewLearners' responses will help you determine the source of...

NHI course 133101 – Using the Incident Command System (ICS) at Highway Incidents

Final Preliminary Lesson Plan

Solicitation Number DTFH61-04-T-86015

January 20, 2005

Iteris Inc.107 Carpenter Dr. Suite 230

Sterling, Virginia 20164(703) 925 3810

and

Dunn Engineering Associates, P.C.66 Main Street

Westhampton Beach, N.Y. 11978

Using the Incident Command System at Highway Incidents Final PLP

TABLE OF CONTENTS

I. COURSE INTRODUCTION..............................................................................1II. EXECUTIVE SUMMARY.................................................................................1III. COURSE ORGANIZATION..............................................................................3IV. COURSE COORDINATION..............................................................................4V. CLASS SIZE.......................................................................................................5VI. HOST AGENCY RESPONSIBILITIES.............................................................5

Audiovisual Requirements..............................................................................5Room Requirements.......................................................................................6Local Training Coordinator's Responsibilities...............................................6Training Site...................................................................................................6Participants and Instructors.............................................................................8Final Arrangements........................................................................................8Student Requirements...................................................................................10

VII. TARGET AUDIENCE......................................................................................10VIII.COURSE GOALS AND OUTCOMES.............................................................10

Course Goals.................................................................................................10Course Outcomes..........................................................................................11

IX. GUIDELINES TO INSTRUCTORS.................................................................11X. COURSE AGENDA..........................................................................................14XI. PRESENTATION REQUIREMENTS..............................................................15

Before the Training Event Checklist............................................................15During the Training Event............................................................................16After the Training Event...............................................................................17

XII. PRELIMINARY LESSON PLANS..................................................................17

ii

Using the Incident Command System at Highway Incidents Final PLP

I. COURSE INTRODUCTION

Using the Incident Command System at Highway Incidents is a two-day course designed to assist novice practitioners, particularly representatives of transportation organizations and towing and recovery, obtain a working knowledge of the Incident Command System (ICS) management system and how it applies to managing highway incidents. As a training tool, this course assists agencies, jurisdictions, and regions in achieving compliance with Homeland Security Presidential Directive-5 (HSPD-5), Management of Domestic Incidents. HSPD-5 requires all Federal departments and agencies to make adoption of the National Incident Management System (NIMS) by State, tribal, and local organizations a condition for Federal preparedness assistance beginning in FY 2005. This course specifies the framework governing ICS organization and operations as presented in NIMS. The course also incorporates guidelines and procedures for establishing each of the major functional areas and associated elements of the ICS organization in addition to key perspectives of the public safety community, as described in the Model Procedures Guide for Highway Incidents by the National Fire Service Incident Management System Consortium.

Approximately half of this two-day course involves interactive training in ICS, and the remainder is invested in two tabletop exercises on applying ICS to specific highway incident scenarios. One exercise involves a major traffic incident, and the other exercise pertains to a larger disaster affecting a highway system.

II. EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

A highway incident is a planned or unplanned event that disrupts the normal operation of the transportation system and requires a short-term response by one or more agencies for the purpose of rescue, control, and/or mitigation. Highway incidents vary widely in severity from vehicle disablements and minor crashes involving a single agency response (e.g., law enforcement or service patrol) to a natural disaster or other catastrophe creating a regional impact and necessitating a multi-agency response across disciplines and jurisdictions. The life cycle of a highway incident encompasses many distinct activities where each activity represents a priority of a specific agency and its expert practitioner or response crew. This dynamic response process demands interagency coordination and collaboration in the sense that responders must cultivate a working trust with one another, transfer command and control when necessary, and ensure sufficient on-scene resources exist at all times. Responders must collectively follow a proactive approach rather than just reacting to each unfolding situation. Implementation of a formal management process, such as the ICS, may overcome these challenges by eliminating ambiguity in command and control, improving resource coordination and communications, and facilitating the application of standard guidelines and operating procedures to day-to-day highway incident management.

1

Using the Incident Command Systems at Highway Incidents Final PLP

ICS is a management system designed to enable effective and efficient domestic incident management by integrating a combination of facilities, equipment, personnel, procedures, and communications operating within a common organizational structure. ICS may be implemented for any highway incident at any severity level. It is designed for use from the time of first responder arrives on the scene until the use of ICS is no longer warranted.

Using the Incident Command System at Highway Incidents is a two-day course with representatives of transportation organizations and towing and recovery companies as its target audience. Transportation agencies own and operate the highway system. Towing and recovery companies play an indispensable role in effecting incident removal and restoring the affected road section back to normal operation. These stakeholders serve a prominent role in day-to-day highway incident management but may require a more substantive understanding of their function under an established ICS where a multi-agency team of responders employ a management tool that provides for the command, control, and coordination of resources at the scene of a highway incident through a structure and procedures for organizing personnel, facilities, and equipment.

The governing document for this course is the National Incident Management System (NIMS) from the Department of Homeland Security. This course provides an effective balance of instruction and participant interaction and practice to enable participants to easily extract and apply the key concepts, principles, guidelines, and procedures of the ICS for any highway incident. Through the completion of course exercises that allow participants to develop custom products based on the stakeholders and resources available in their area, participants will have a head start in supporting a proactive, multi-agency response to highway incidents ranging from traffic incidents to relatively uncommon emergencies where transportation resources and technology applications may represent critical factors in public safety and the overall efficiency of a jurisdiction or region response.

This course covers the following key ICS topics:

Management characteristics of the ICS Major functional areas of the ICS organization Unified Command organization and application Major organizational elements of the ICS Operations Section Programs to achieve agency preparedness Concepts and processes for managing resources and communications and information Guidelines and procedures for establishing ICS Steps in preparing an Incident Action Plan Considerations for establishing an Incident Command Post and staging areas

ICS is extremely comprehensive so it requires training and study to completely understand the command and control protocol that drives its operation at the scene of a highway incident. This training course will help transportation professionals become a

2


full partner in local and region-wide ICS operations as the NIMS is adopted throughout the country. Course lectures and tabletop exercises will illustrate the integration path that an ICS organizational structure must take to support highway incident management policies, guidelines, and procedures. Finally, this training course will satisfy the need to provide transportation personnel a lasting reference and specific applications of ICS configured to local highway incident management activities.

III. COURSE ORGANIZATION

Two qualified FHWA-approved instructors will present this two-day course using the curriculum materials that include an Instructor Guide, a Participant Workbook, a Reference Manual, visual aids, and case studies. In addition, the instructors need at least two flip charts and sets of markers, and audiovisual equipment.

The course is designed to run from 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM each day. Other time frames can be accommodated provided the Course Host gives notice at the time the course is requested. A preliminary agenda is shown in Section X.

This course is divided into 14 lessons, three of which are small group exercises, as shown in the following table. Detailed lesson plans can be found in Section XI.

Lesson #

Lesson Title & Description Time (min.)

1 Welcome and Introductions 452 Incident Command System Overview 303 ICS Organizational Structure 454 ICS Operations Section 305 Unified Command 456 Advance Planning and Coordination 457 Implementation 608 Exercise: ICS Planning 459 Day One Summary 1510 Day One Review (Discussion) 3011 ICS Tabletop Exercise #1: Highway Incident Involving a Hazardous

Material Spill135

12 Instructor Review and Guidance 1513 ICS Tabletop Exercise #2: Highway Incident Involving a Possible Terrorist Act 13514 Course Summary and Conclusions 45

3


IV. COURSE COORDINATION

The NHI Training Project Manager, contractor for the course, instructors, Local Training Coordinator, and NHI Course Scheduler will work together to plan and deliver the course. Usually, a Local Training Coordinator will submit an On-Site Course Request form (FHWA 1530) with Requested Dates and Training Sites to the NHI Course Scheduler, who in turn will contact the course contractor. The contractor will then contact the Local Training Coordinator and discuss possible dates for the course. Once a list of potential dates is compiled, the contractor will check the availability of the instructors. The contractor will confirm the delivery date with the Local Training Coordinator, NHI Course Scheduler, and instructors. The NHI Course Scheduler will then submit the On-Site Course Request form with the agreed date to the NHI Training Project Manager for approval. Once the NHI Training Project Manager approves the On-Site Course Request form, the course session is formally scheduled for the agreed dates and training site. This also authorizes the contractor to conduct the course. A confirmation is mailed to the instructors. The contractor will communicate with the host Local Training Coordinator to:

Confirm times of instruction Obtain directions to training facility Discuss host State requirements (see Section V) Obtain lodging recommendations for the instructors Complete and submit the local case study form Arrange for shipping of the course materials to the site

The contractor will fax the Course Roster to NHI within five days after the course and mail the original Course Roster, Participant Registration Forms, course evaluations, and test results to the NHI Training Project Manager. The contractor usually will send a thank you note to the Local Training Coordinator. If desired, the NHI Training Project Manager will send copies of the evaluation forms to the Local Training Coordinator.

4


V. CLASS SIZE

The maximum class size permitted by NHI is 30 people; usually the smaller the class sizes the better (with a minimum of 20). NHI will ship 30 copies of the Reference Manual, Participant Workbook and the Administrative Package to the Local Training Coordinator to the address shown on the On-Site Course Request form (FHWA 1530). It is recommended that the Local Training Coordinator distribute the manual to the participants one week prior to the course, encouraging them to review the manual before coming to class. In the event the Reference Manual cannot be distributed prior to the course, a copy of it, along with the Participant Workbook, should be placed at each participant's seat by the Local Training Coordinator prior to the beginning of the first day of class. A writing pad and pen also should be provided for each participant. NHI will send a registration roster, tent cards for participants’ names, course evaluation forms, registration forms and course certificates to the host agency several weeks before the course delivery date. The Local Training Coordinator must notify the NHI Course Scheduler concerning any changes to the number of manuals or the shipping address.

VI. HOST AGENCY RESPONSIBILITIES

Audiovisual RequirementsVisual aids for this course include PowerPoint presentations and flip charts. The instructors may also need internet access to visit websites relevant to the topics being discussed. The following audiovisual equipment/materials are necessary for delivery of this course:

LCD projector compatible with a notebook computer and cables for proper connection (e.g., InFocus or similar make)

Spare projector bulb

Electronic remote device to advance slides in PowerPoint presentation, if available

Projection screen (at least 6’ x 6’)

Pointer (preferably laser type)

Twenty-foot or longer extension cord

Flip charts (at least two)

Large markers, assorted colors (at least seven sets)

5


Large black markers for participant tent cards (at least one for every two participants should be placed on their table/workspace)

Dial-up or Wireless connection to the internet.

All equipment and materials should be placed in the room for the instructors to check at least one hour prior to the first day of the course. The host State should provide technical assistance during this time and contact information for technical assistance during the presentation of the course.

Room RequirementsThe room should be large enough to accommodate workspace with tables and chairs for up to 30 participants and 2 instructors plus the aforementioned equipment—a large conference room or classroom.

Instructors should be able to arrange the classroom, as they deem most appropriate given the exact number of participants. (The ideal arrangement allows participants to interact with the instructors and each other; e.g., a U- or V-shape arrangement, clusters of work areas, etc. Avoid "lecture hall" type of arrangements.) All participants should be able to see the screen and the instructors; however, participants and instructors should be able to move about the room without obstruction.

A preparation table and a presentation table should be provided for the instructors. The room should be in a quiet area and have a lighting system that permits convenient dimming of the lights, especially where the screen is located.

Local Training Coordinator's ResponsibilitiesThe Local Training Coordinator is responsible for preparing the site prior to the instructors’ arrival. Below is a checklist of the things the Local Training Coordinator needs to do before instructors arrive. It is recommended that the instructors contact the Local Training Coordinator to ensure these steps have been taken.

Training SiteThe Local Training Coordinator should verify the following accommodations are in place for the training site:

Selection of a training room is critical to the success of the course. Great care should be taken to select a room that will not be overcrowded, too hot or too cold,

6


or subject to outside distractions. The instructor should contact the coordinator with any specific requirements for the training facility

Reserve a training room for the duration of the course (possibly for the whole day)

Check to see if anyone else will be using the room for nighttime functions

Determine if books and equipment can be left in the room. Training courses requiring special equipment or computers must have after-hours security

Visit the classroom to make certain it meets all of the instructors’ requirements

Other considerations for a training room:

Heat or air conditioning - should not be loud when running. Also find out if the instructor can control these and other potential sources of noise.

Adequate shape and size. No poles or obstructions

Special arrangements for demonstrations, labs and experiments

Seating arrangements

Away from kitchen, construction area or other noise distractions

Electrical outlets

Lighting controls – This course uses visual aids that require a projection screen. It is important to have a room where lighting can be controlled to prevent glare on the screen while not placing the room in total darkness

Consider the following points for using visual aids:

Will shades completely darken all windows?

Can the lights be selectively dimmed when showing slides or viewgraphs?

Will overhead lights shine directly on the screen?

Can a bulb be removed above the screen or will the flipcharts or whiteboard be too dark?

7


Participants and Instructors If needed, reserve a block of hotel/motel rooms for the course participants and

instructors. Some hotels will provide a free meeting room if a minimum number of participants stay at the hotel.

Participants and instructors should be:o Informed of course start and end timeso Advised on hotel accommodations and room rates, check out timeso Furnished with mapso Advised on parking arrangementso Advised on the dress code for the training

Final ArrangementsTwo Weeks Before The Course: Make sure an approved copy of the On-Site Course Request form (Form FHWA

1530) has been received. If not, call NHI Course Scheduler at (703) 235-0528.

Check that all training materials have arrived:

Participant workbooks

Tent cards (large felt tip markers will be needed)

Evaluation forms

Class roster form

Student registration form

Certificates

Other checks:

Reconfirm the training facilities.

Discuss the seating arrangements and who will setup the room.

Discuss what time the room is unlocked/locked.

Check to make sure a technician is available in case there are problems setting up the room or if something goes wrong during the course.

One Week Before The Course:

Complete and return the Case Studies Questionnaire. (See earlier comment on this.)

8


Prepare directional signs to classroom.

Prepare no smoking signs in the classroom. Signs should be posted or a note written on the whiteboard.

Identify smoking areas.

Determine where snacks will be available.

Identify where telephones are - both for participants to make outgoing calls and to receive incoming messages.

Prepare a list of eating places for lunch, along with a map.

Decide who will welcome the participants and introduce the instructors.

Special checkout arrangements (in hotels) to coincide with the course completion time.

Determine who will prepare the certificates of training and who will pass them out at the end of the course.

One Day Before The Course:

Set-up the Classroom.

Organize the participant materials.

Post directional signs.

Test all equipment.

During The Course:

Let the instructor know whom to contact if he/she needs assistance.

Include information and provide instructions on the International Association for Continuing Education and Training (IACET) CEUs guidelines and requirements.

Provide information on how to contact the technician during the training event, such as telephone and/or room number.

Have participants sign in each day in the morning and afternoon sessions.

Prepare certificates of training. The time needed to prepare them may be reduced and the appearance improved by using a computer with a graphics program and a laser printer.

Check with the instructor at least a few times during the course to see if there are any problems.

9


After The Course:

Make certain the instructor has the course roster, course evaluation forms, end of course tests, and participant registration forms. The instructor is responsible for sending these items to NHI.

Student RequirementsIn addition to the Reference Manual and Participant Workbook, the host should provide notepads and pens, or instruct participants to bring notepads and pens with them.

VII. TARGET AUDIENCE

The Using the Incident Command System at Highway Incidents is a two-day course primarily targeted at Operations and Maintenance personnel from state and local Departments of Transportation and Public Works. More specifically:

Incident Response Teams Motorist Assistance Patrols Transportation Management Center Staff

The secondary audience for this course is Public Safety Responders. This includes: Police Fire Emergency Teams Towing and Recovery Teams Hazardous Materials Response Teams

VIII. COURSE GOALS AND OUTCOMES

Course Goals

At the conclusion of the course participants will be able to apply the knowledge and demonstrate the skills associated with establishing and managing an ICS organizational structure at the scene of a highway incident while properly adhering to National Incident Management System guidelines and procedures.

The adult learners will be involved and actively participate throughout the course. Structured learning opportunities will be used to validate their grasp of the course materials and relate their learning experiences to work-related scenarios.

10


Course OutcomesAt the end of this course, participants will be able to:

1. Describe where transportation organization personnel and services fit into ICS

2. Identify ICS functional areas and associated organizational levels within each functional area

3. Describe how transportation organizations support other functions beside operations

4. Indicate alternative resources that may be available to transportation personnel to enable them to better perform their duties

5. Identify training responsibilities

6. List interaction of transportation organizations with higher levels: giving tasks, suggesting tasks and providing feedback

IX. GUIDELINES TO INSTRUCTORS

During The Course:

At the beginning of the course, explain that NHI has instituted a course design policy to include post-course testing as part of a continuous improvement process and to conform to the International Association for Continuing Education and Training (IACET) standards. Clearly explain the IACET CEU’s guidelines and requirements. Ensure that participants know that they must attend the entire course and pass a test at the end of the course. Explain that that test will cover the learning outcomes of the course and that a grade of at least 70 is required to pass the test.

In the morning and afternoon of each day, have participants sign-in in the appropriate column of the course roster. Explain that they should sign-in with their initials, not an “X” or a checkmark.

One of the most effective ways for the participants to learn and grow is to demonstrate learning by doing during the course. One method of learning demonstration is answering questions. An instructor should be able to ask probing questions that cause learners to open their minds and focus on the topics under discussions. By frequently asking questions, an instructor will be able to determine if learning is taking place. Here are specific guidelines/suggestions for asking questions:

Consider the way you ask questions. Do not ask questions that require a yes or no answer. Ask open-ended questions that encourage student feedback.

11


Let students know up front that you will be asking questions, that you expect them to provide answers, and that it is okay if their answers are sometimes incomplete or not on target.

Let students know that exercises will be conducted to emphasize the learning outcomes of sessions.

Learners' responses will help you determine the source of potential learning deficiencies.

Ask questions frequently during the course to determine if learning is occurring and to help you maintain a good pace.

Use questions at the end of a section to summarize the material and determine if you have met the learning outcomes.

Rephrase question to make sure everybody understood what was asked.

The instructor should raise questions to the entire class so that everyone can start thinking of answers. If no one answers, use the following techniques:

Count to 10 before asking the questions a second time. Silence is okay.

Give sufficient time for a response. Avoid answering the questions yourself.

Rephrase question to make sure everybody understood what was asked.

Give hints. This indicates that you sincerely want the students to learn and that it is okay if they do not always have the answers.

Give credit to partial answers.

At the end of the course, give out certificates as participants turn in their evaluation forms.

This course includes two sessions that involve an ICS tabletop exercise and debrief on a defined highway incident scenario. The instructor will organize each tabletop exercise as follows:

Present characteristics of a pre-defined highway incident.

Distribute a scenario simulation timeline that describes the scene, shows a map of the affected area, details key characteristics of the incident as it evolves, and indicates various agency disciplines that may likely respond to the incident.

12


Encourage participants to reference action plan templates and other supporting material developed in the first day exercises and perform the tabletop exercise based on the scope of agencies and resources available in their area.

Establish four participant groups with each group conducting an independent tabletop exercise.

Instruct each group to designate one or more persons to serve the specific roles as defined for each scenario.

Instruct each participant group to complete a series of simultaneous tasks outlined in the applicable course session instructional method.

After The Course:

Gather the course roster, course evaluation forms, participant registration forms, and end of course assessment.

On the course roster, when participants did not sign in mark a large X in the column so it is clear when participants were absent. Write “No CEUs” on the line of any participant who did not sign in during the course.

Grade the end of course tests and write the grade on the first page of the test. Place a P or F on each line of the course roster so it is clear which participants should receive IACET CEU credits for the course.

Submit the course roster, course evaluation forms, participant registration forms, and end of course tests.

13


X. COURSE AGENDAUsing the Incident Command System at Highway Incidents

NHI Course No. 133101

SESSION TITLE DURATION(Min.)

START/ENDTIME

DAY ONE1 Welcome and Introductions 45 8:30 – 9:152 Incident Command System Overview 30 9:15 – 9:45

Break 15 9:45 – 10:003 ICS Organizational Structure 45 10:00 – 10:454 ICS Operations Section 30 10:45 – 11:15

Break 15 11:15 – 11:305 Unified Command 45 11:30 – 12:15

Lunch 60 12:15 – 1:156 Advance Planning and Coordination 45 1:15 – 2:00

Break 15 2:00 – 2:157 Implementation 60 2:15 – 3:15

Break 15 3:15 – 3:308 Exercise: ICS Planning 45 3:30 – 4:159 Day One Summary 15 4:15 – 4:30

Total Contact Time 360DAY TWO

10 Day One Review (Discussion) 30 8:30 – 9:0011 ICS Tabletop Exercise #1: Highway

Incident Involving a Hazardous Material Spill

90 9:00 – 10:30

Break 15 10:30 – 10:45Tabletop Exercise #1 Debrief 45 10:45 – 11:30Break 15 11:30 – 11:45

12 Instructor Review and Guidance 15 11:45 – 12:00Lunch 60 12:00 – 1:00

13 ICS Tabletop Exercise #2: Highway Incident Involving a Possible Terrorist Act

90 1:00 – 2:30

Break 15 2:30 – 2:45Tabletop Exercise #2 Debrief 45 2:45 – 3:30Break 15 3:30 – 3:45

14 Course Summary and Conclusions 45 3:45 – 4:30Total Contact Time 360

The course start and end times may be adjusted based on specific locations. For example, in many places, a starting time of 8 am may be preferable so the participants can leave earlier in the afternoon.

14


XI. PRESENTATION REQUIREMENTS

Before the Training Event ChecklistConfirm the training dates, location, and number of participants. (Note: Thirty is the maximum number of participants.)

1. Ensure you have the following materials. Instructor Guide, one copy for each instructor PowerPoint Presentation or transparencies of presentation slides Participant Workbook, one copy for each participant Reference Manual, one copy for each participant A computer loaded with Windows® 98 and PowerPoint 2000 or an overhead

projector for displaying transparencies An LCD projector compatible with a notebook computer (e.g., InFocus or similar

make), if the State cannot provide one. Cables necessary to connect projector to computer, if the State cannot provide the

projector Spare projector bulb, if the State cannot provide the projector Electronic remote device to advance slides in the PowerPoint Presentation, if

available List of participants, complete with profiles summarizing their positions,

responsibilities, and experience Case study materials—at least 5 copies for each case study—as follows:

o Problem Statemento Flipchart Paper

Course Evaluation, 30 copies (one for each participant)

2. Read and study the Instructor Guide, PowerPoint Presentation, and Reference Manual. Familiarize yourself with the Participant Workbook and the accompanying resource Simplified Guide to Incident Command Systems for Transportation Professionals.

3. Arrange for equipment and supplies from the host. Ensure you have the following: LCD projector compatible with a notebook computer (e.g., InFocus or similar

make), if possible Cables necessary to connect projector to computer, if possible Spare projector bulb, if possible Electronic remote device to advance slides in PowerPoint presentation, if

available Projection screen Power strip Twenty-foot or longer extension cord Flip charts (at least two) Large markers, assorted colors (at least seven sets) Large black markers for student name tents (at least one for every two

15


participants) Masking tape (at least two rolls)

4. Ensure the room is set-up properly (i.e., tables and chairs are arranged to maximize interaction, projectors do not block participants' lines of sight, flip charts are convenient to you and visible to participants, etc.).

5. Test the equipment.

6. Arrange materials so they are convenient for you and the participants. On the first day, ensure each participant's place has: One copy of the Reference Manual (unless the State distributed them beforehand;

in which case, each participant should bring his or her copy) One copy of the Participant Workbook and CD One tent card One pen and pad (unless the State has instructed participants to bring then-own) One black marker for every two participants (so they can write their names on the

tent card)

During the Training Event1. Arrive early. Give yourself plenty of time to get organized.

2. Start on time and stay on track. Always start on time, even if only one participant is in the room. Keep exercises within their time limits. End discussions when they cease to be productive. Lead participants away from digressions and tangents, and back to the lesson.

3. Be available during breaks and after class for questions.

4. Mentor participants during the preparation of case studies. Walk among groups as they work on their case studies, and answer questions and offer guidance as appropriate. Ensure participants are on track as they work. Give constructive feedback during the case study solutions presentations and discussions.

5. Pose Review Questions: Throughout and at the end of each lesson, review questions should be asked to reinforce the learning outcomes for that lesson and to connect to upcoming material. As a general rule, review or discussion questions should be asked every 6-8 slides. Avoid YES or NO questions and try to use open-ended questions to draw participants into the material. Sample review questions are available in the Instructor's guide; however, the instructor can also develop additional questions. Make sure all questions directly relate to and support the learning outcomes.

6. Review Lesson Outcomes: At the beginning of each lesson, review that lesson's outcomes. Make sure participants are fully aware of the topics to be addressed in the lesson. Then, at the end of each lesson, review the outcomes once again using review questions or an activity/exercise to ensure the outcomes are met.

7. At the end of the course, have each participant complete an evaluation.

16


After the Training Event1. Grade post-training tests and record pass/fail designation on course roster.

2. Submit course roster, participant registration forms, evaluation forms and test results to NHI.

XII. PRELIMINARY LESSON PLANS

The preliminary lesson plans (PLPs) below are designed to involve the participants interactively in the learning process. Attainment of each course outcome will be evaluated by question and answer periods, participant-instructor exercises, and small group planning and implementation exercises. The ability of the participants to apply knowledge and skills learned during the lessons and specific cases will be evaluated through the classroom exercises and interactions. The PLPs for the 14 lessons that comprise the course are presented below.

(Note to reviewers: The PLPs will not be included in the Introductory Materials of the Instructor Guide but the information will be included on the first page of each session.)

17


Session No. 1Session Title: Welcome and IntroductionsSession Learning Outcomes: No learning outcomes for this session.

Applicable Course Learning Outcomes: No learning outcomes for this session.

Instructional Method: Lecture (5 minutes):A. Instructor will present the course outcomes.

Discussion (25 minutes):B. Participants and instructors provide a self-introduction that includes a brief

summary of past experience in managing highway incidents. Ask participants to identify their expectations for the course and what they hope to learn.

Lecture (3 minutes):C. Instructor will review the course sessions and associated group exercises.

Lecture (4 minutes):D. Instructor will present: (1) course rules, (2) CEU credit, (3) participant

registration form, (4) course evaluation, and (5) all other necessary announcements (e.g., safety).

Lecture (5 minutes):E. Instructor will identify the National Incident Management System (NIMS)

handbook, in addition to any other resources referenced in developing the course, and summarize key content of the Simplified Guide to ICS for Transportation Professionals, which will be distributed to course participants.

Time Allocation: Lectures – 17 minutes Total: 45 minutesDiscussions – 25 minutesSpontaneous Q&A – 3 minutes

Evaluation Plan: N/AReferences for further info:

National Incident Management System, U.S. Department of Homeland Security, Washington, D.C., March 2004, 139 pp.

Model Procedures Guide for Highway Incidents, Draft Version 8, The National Fire Service IMS Consortium, Washington, D.C., 195 pp.

Simplified Guide to ICS for Transportation Professionals, Federal Highway Administration, Washington, D.C., working report.

18


Session No. 2Session Title: Incident Command System OverviewSession Learning Outcomes: 1. Identify eight management characteristics of the Incident Command System.

Applicable Course Learning Outcomes: Describe where transportation organization personnel and services fit into ICS.

Instructional Method: Lecture (4 minutes):A. Instructor will define the Incident Command System (ICS), present a history of

ICS including its relationship to the National Incident Management System (NIMS), and summarize the application and importance of ICS in managing highway incidents.

Lecture (4 minutes):B. Instructor will describe aspects of proven management characteristics of an ICS,

including common terminology, modular organization, integrated communications, unified command structure, consolidated action plan, manageable span-of-control, predesignated incident facilities, and comprehensive resource management.

Discussion (5 minutes): C. Ask participants to review common aspects of day-to-day highway incident

management in their area and indicate elements of the ICS that may be implemented to improve on-scene responder and resource management.

Lecture (4 minutes):D. Instructor will describe the roles and responsibilities, relationships, and resources

of transportation organizations in support of ICS in managing highway incidents.

Group Exercise (10 minutes):E. Working in four groups, participants will begin development of a custom, working

unified response manual. Participants will identify and indicate the resources and services of transportation organizations and other key agencies, in their area, in supporting highway incident response and removal activities. Each participant group will be asked to describe select responses with the instructor and other groups at the end of the exercise.

Review Key Terms and Learning Outcomes (3 minutes):F. Instructor will review key terms and the session learning outcomes by asking

questions. Participants will provide verbal responses. The instructor will use various techniques to evaluate whether every participant has learned the outcomes of the session.

Time Allocation: Lectures – 12 minutes Total: 30 minutesDiscussions – 8 minutesExercises – 10 minutes

Evaluation Plan: Participant learning will be evaluated by their involvement in session discussions and exercises in addition to their answers to instructor questions during a review of session learning outcomes at the end of the session.

References for further info:


19


Session No. 3Session Title: ICS Organizational StructureSession Learning Outcomes:

1. Identify the major functional areas of the ICS organization.

2. Indicate the distinguishing characteristics of Single Command and Unified Command.

Applicable Course Learning Outcomes:

1. Identify ICS functional areas and associated organizational levels within each functional area.

Instructional Method: Lecture (2 minutes):A. Instructor will provide an overview of the ICS organizational structure

and describe how the command staff and general staff interact. Lecture (6 minutes):B. Instructor will present an overview of the Command function, present

distinguishing characteristics of Single Command and Unified Command, and summarize the roles and responsibilities of the Incident Commander and associated Command Staff.

Discussion (5 minutes):C. Ask participants to describe how the command function is commonly conducted

in managing highway incidents in their area.

Lecture (3 minutes):D. Instructor will summarize the objectives and organizational elements of the

Operations Section in addition to the responsibilities of the Operations Section Chief.

Lecture (3 minutes):E. Instructor will summarize the objectives and organizational elements of the

Planning Section in addition to the responsibilities of the Planning Section Chief.

Lecture (3 minutes):F. Instructor will summarize the objectives and organizational elements of the

Logistics Section in addition to the responsibilities of the Logistics Section Chief.

Lecture (3 minutes):G. Instructor will summarize the objectives and organizational elements of the

Finance/Administration Section in addition to the responsibilities of the Finance/Administration Section Chief.

Lecture (2 minutes):H. Instructor will summarize the objectives and placement considerations specific to

the Information and Intelligence Function.

Discussion (5 minutes):I. Ask participants to indicate highway incident management considerations that

necessitate use of the Information and Intelligence Function.

Group Exercise (10 minutes):J. Working in four groups, participants will continue development of a custom,

working unified response manual. Participants will develop an ICS template that identifies key staff, functional areas, and organizational elements of each area that may be established for a highway incident. Each participant group will be asked

20


to cite select, distinguishing components of their ICS template with the instructor and other groups at the end of the exercise.

Review Key Terms and Learning Outcomes (3 minutes):K. Instructor will review key terms and the session learning outcomes by asking







21


Session No. 4Session Title: Unified CommandSession Learning Outcomes:

1. Identify three applications of Unified Command.2. Indicate advantages of using Unified Command.


1. Describe how transportation organizations support other functions beside operations

2. List interaction of transportation organizations with higher levels: giving tasks, suggesting tasks and providing feedback

Instructional Method: Lecture (4 minutes):A. Instructor will describe Unified Command applications, organization guidelines,

and advantages of using Unified Command. Lecture (5 minutes):B. Instructor will facilitate a discussion with participants regarding criteria for using

Unified Command, discuss its organization over the life cycle of an incident including the evolving roles of command and general staff (e.g., Operations Section Chief), and describe opportunities for transportation organizations to participate in Unified Command.

Discussion (5 minutes):C. Ask participants to discuss the use of Unified Command to manage highway

incidents in their area.

Lecture (3 minutes):D. Instructor will discuss considerations for involving an agency in Unified

Command, describe Unified Command representative guidelines, and summarize considerations for agencies not involved in but functioning under a Unified Command structure.

Group Exercise (10 minutes):E. Working in four groups, participants will continue development of a custom,

working unified response manual. Participants will describe a Unified Command organization for various highway incident scenarios specified by the instructor (e.g., characteristics and responding agencies given). Each participant group will be asked to describe select, comparative responses with the instructor and other groups at the end of the exercise.

Review Key Terms and Learning Outcomes (3 minutes):F. Instructor will review key terms and the session learning outcomes by asking







22


Session No. 5Session Title: ICS Operations SectionSession Learning Outcomes:

1. Identify the major organizational elements of the Operations Section.2. Indicate the distinguishing characteristics between Operations Section divisions

and groups.Applicable Course Learning Outcomes:


2. Indicate alternative resources that may be available to transportation personnel to enable them to better perform their duties.

Instructional Method: Lecture (3 minutes):A. Instructor will review considerations for establishing an operations section and

summarize distinctive elements and associated leadership positions within an operations section.

Lecture (3 minutes):B. Instructor will describe the modular concept and associated considerations of ICS

operation, including span-of-control guidelines.

Discussion (5 minutes):C. Ask participants to cite perspectives of operations section structures used in their

area.

Lecture (4 minutes):D. Instructor will define and present a basic operational approach for establishing

geographical divisions and functional groups in addition to summarizing general supervisor responsibilities.

Lecture (4 minutes):E. Instructor will define and present a basic operational approach for establishing

branches in addition to summarizing general director responsibilities.

Lecture (2 minutes):F. Instructor will facilitate a discussion regarding changes in the organization of an

Operations Section, including the Operations Section Chief, through the life cycle of a highway incident.

Discussion (5 minutes):G. Ask participants to identify functional assignments specific to transportation that

warrant group designations within an Operations Section.

Lecture (6 minutes):H. Instructor will provide a background on resource management and summarize

various approaches and associated considerations for organizing and employing resources, including traffic control task forces and strike teams.

Group Exercise (10 minutes):I. Working in four groups, participants will continue development of a custom,

working unified response manual. Participants will develop a list of transportation resources, task forces, and strike teams that may be organized to execute various transportation functional assignments. Each participant group will be asked to cite select, distinguishing resources with the instructor and other groups at the end of the exercise.

23


Review Key Terms and Learning Outcomes (3 minutes):J. Instructor will review key terms and the session learning outcomes by asking







24


Session No. 6Session Title: Advance Planning and CoordinationSession Learning Outcomes:

1. Identify programs that facilitate agencies’ operational preparedness for highway incident management.

2. Identify five key principles for facilitating effective resource management.Applicable Course Learning Outcomes:

1. Identify training responsibilities.

2. Indicate alternative resources that may be available to transportation personnel to enable them to better perform their duties.

Instructional Method: Lecture (4 minutes):A. Instructor will provide an overview of various programs to ensure and enhance

agency preparedness.

Discussion (5 minutes):B. Participants will identify preparedness initiatives, including associated successes

and lessons learned, that have been used in their area.

Lecture (4 minutes):C. Instructor will facilitate a discussion on the purpose, benefits, and primary tasks of

resource management. Participants will list key principles of resource management for allocating and distributing resources during highway incident response activities.

Lecture (8 minutes):D. Instructor will facilitate feedback on eight processes for managing resources.

Discussion (5 minutes):E. Ask participants to describe resource management initiatives in their area.

Lecture (6 minutes):F. Instructor will facilitate discussion on the goals, benefits, and key concepts of

managing communications and information.

Group Exercise (10 minutes):G. Working in four groups, participants will identify, prioritize, and indicate the

value of: (1) programs that may enhance agencies’ operational preparedness for highway incident management in their area and (2) processes for managing resources and effecting quick and efficient deployment during incidents. Each participant group will be asked to reveal their highest ranking initiatives with the instructor and other groups at the end of the exercise.

Review Key Terms and Learning Outcomes (3 minutes):H. Instructor will review key terms and the session learning outcomes by asking







25


Session No. 7Session Title: ImplementationSession Learning Outcomes:

1. State typical actions of a first responder in establishing an on-scene ICS organizational structure.

2. Indicate the benefit of establishing staging areas.Applicable Course Learning Outcomes:

1. Describe how transportation organizations support other functions beside operations.

2. List interaction of transportation organizations with higher levels: giving tasks, suggesting tasks and providing feedback.

Instructional Method: Lecture (3 minutes):A. Instructor will facilitate a discussion on a generalized set of actions and

responsibilities required of the first responder in establishing an on-scene ICS organizational structure and command.

Lecture (4 minutes):B. Instructor will indicate guidelines for establishing command and present various

command options that may be used by the first responder upon arrival to a highway incident.

Lecture (3 minutes):C. Instructor will indicate conditions that warrant a transfer of command and present

procedures that facilitate the actual transfer of command process.

Discussion (5 minutes):D. Ask participants to state perceived differences in first responder roles and

responsibilities at the scene of highway incidents, and how it might affect ICS organization, in their area.

Lecture (3 minutes):E. Instructor will define and describe the value of preparing an Incident Action Plan.

Lecture (6 minutes):F. Instructor will present five primary phases in the planning process for developing

a comprehensive Incident Action Plan in addition to associated responsibilities of Command and General Staff in planning activities.

Discussion (5 minutes):G. Ask participants to provide perspectives on planning activities conducted for

major highway incidents in their area.

Lecture (4 minutes):H. Instructor will define and present considerations for establishing an Incident

Command Post in addition to describing the benefit, including examples, of using an Incident Command Post.

Lecture (4 minutes):I. Instructor will define and present considerations for establishing staging areas in

addition to describing the benefit, including examples, of using staging areas.

Group Exercise (20 minutes):J. Working in four groups, participants will continue development of a custom,

working unified response manual. Participants will develop a checklist of

26


activities from the time of initial response to the selection of a response plan that guides the establishment of Unified Command and associated organizational elements for managing a highway incident. Each participant group will be asked to cite select, distinguishing activities with the instructor and other groups at the end of the exercise.

Review Key Terms and Learning Outcomes (3 minutes):K. Instructor will review key terms and the session learning outcomes by asking







27


Session No. 8Session Title: Exercise: ICS PlanningSession Learning Outcomes:

1. Indicate the role of transportation organizations within an ICS organization using Unified Command.


1. Describe how transportation organizations support other functions beside operations.

2. List interaction of transportation organizations with higher levels: giving tasks, suggesting tasks and providing feedback.

Instructional Method: Group Exercise (25 minutes):A. Working in four groups, participants will continue development of a custom,

working unified response manual. Participants will develop an action plan template, using a flowchart format, for establishing a Unified Command organization and associated organizational elements in response to the occurrence of any highway incident. Participants will be required to develop decision criteria based on highway incident severity and associated response actions that influence the scope of ICS required during the operational period. The action plan template will demonstrate how an ICS organization evolves based on the identification and subsequent completion of on-scene response and removal activities.

Discussion (20 minutes):B. The four participant groups involved in the exercise will present their respective

action plan template. Each group will have approximately 4 to 5 minutes to deliver their presentation, and any remaining time will be reserved for instructor-participant and participant-participant discussion.

Time Allocation: Exercises – 25 minutes Total: 45 minutesDiscussions – 20 minutes




28


Session No. 9Session Title: Day One SummarySession Learning Outcomes: 1. Measure participants’ comprehension of material covered.



Instructional Method: Discussion (15 minutes):A. Instructor will review, through a question and answer session, the basic concepts,

essential elements, and key initiatives involved in proactively using the ICS that was presented in Day One of this workshop.

Time Allocation: Discussions – 15 minutes Total: 15 minutes Evaluation Plan: N/AReferences for further info:



29


Session No. 10Session Title: Day One Review (Discussion)Session Learning Outcomes: 1. Measure participants’ comprehension of material covered.



Instructional Method: Discussion (30 minutes):Ask participants:

A. State the management characteristics of the Incident Command System.

B. Identify the major functional areas of the ICS organizational structure.

C. Identify the major organizational elements of the Operations Section.

D. Indicate the advantages of using Unified Command.

E. Identify programs that facilitate agencies’ operational preparedness for highway incident management.

F. Indicate the benefits of establishing an Incident Command Post and a staging area.Time Allocation: Discussion – 30 minutes Total: 30 minutesEvaluation Plan: N/AReferences for further info:



30


Session No. 11Session Title: ICS Tabletop Exercise #1: Highway Incident Involving a Hazardous Material

SpillSession Learning Outcomes:

1. Describe an ICS organization for a highway incident involving a hazardous material spill.


1. Describe where transportation organization personnel and services fit into ICS.2. List interaction of transportation organizations with higher levels: giving tasks,

suggesting tasks and providing feedback.Instructional Method: Lecture (5 minutes):

A. Instructor will present characteristics of a highway incident involving a hazardous material spill. Instructor will distribute a scenario simulation timeline that describes the scene, shows a map of the affected area, details key characteristics of the incident as it evolves, and indicates various agency disciplines that may likely respond to the incident. Instructor will encourage participants to reference the action plan template and other supporting materials developed in the first day exercises and perform the tabletop exercise based on the scope of agencies and resources available in their area.

Group Exercise (85 minutes):B. Instructor will organize the tabletop exercise as follows:

Participants will form four groups with each group conducting an independent tabletop exercise.

Each group will designate one or more persons to serve the following roles:o Incident Commander (Unified Command)o Command Staff Officers (collectively) o Operations Section Chiefo Other Section Chiefs (collectively, as applicable)o Ranking representatives of responding transportation organizations

C. Each group conducting a tabletop exercise will complete the following simultaneous tasks: Develop a chronological list of response activities of transportation and other

responding agencies in establishing on-scene Unified Command. The person(s) assuming each of the identified roles will maintain a log of response activities specific to their assigned organizational element(s).

Identify agencies required to participate in incident response and/or clearance in addition to functional assignments and required resources.

Prepare a Unified Command organizational structure for the highway incident and modify it as the incident evolves.

Identify required transportation response activities and interactions (e.g., information exchange and response coordination) between transportation organizations and other responding agencies. The person(s) assuming the role of ranking representatives of responding transportation organizations should maintain a log of transportation activities as the highway incident evolves.

**Include 15-minute break between exercise and debrief**

Group Exercise (45 minutes):D. The four participant groups involved in the tabletop exercise will each deliver an

approximate 8-10 minute debrief on the tabletop exercise that will primarily address the following topics: Unified Command organizational structure for the incident

31


Key transportation response activities and interactions Successes and lessons learned from transportation perspective

Time Allocation: Lecture – 5 minutes Total: 135 minutesExercises – 130 minutes

Evaluation Plan: Participant learning will be evaluated by their participation and responses in the tabletop exercise, which will address the session learning outcomes.



32


Session No. 12Session Title: Instructor Review and GuidanceSession Learning Outcomes: 1. No learning outcomes for this session.

Applicable Course Learning Outcomes: 1. No learning outcomes for this session.

Instructional Method: Lecture (5 minutes):A. Instructor will provide comments on the tabletop exercise activities and products

developed by each of the four participating groups.

Lecture (5 minutes):B. Instructor will present characteristics of a highway incident involving a possible

terrorist act (loss of highway infrastructure). Instructor will distribute a scenario simulation timeline that describes the scene, shows a map of the affected area, details key characteristics of the incident as it evolves, and indicates various agency disciplines that may likely respond to the incident. Instructor will describe how the second tabletop exercise builds on the first exercise. Both exercises are similar in initial on-scene impact, but the second exercise increases in complexity as multiple Unified Command organizations are established in the affected region. Under the second exercise, a Unified Command organization is established at the scene with two separate Unified Command organizations established within adjacent jurisdictions to manage significant traffic operations and security/investigation issues. The second tabletop exercise will require establishment of area command to manage the multiple active incidents that have resulted from the initial incident.

Lecture (5 minutes):C. Instructor will define and present the objectives of area command in addition to

summarizing an area command organization and considerations/criteria for establishing an area command.

Time Allocation: Lecture – 15 minutes Total: 15 minutes References for further info:



33


Session No. 13Session Title: ICS Tabletop Exercise #2: Highway Incident Involving a Possible Terrorist ActSession Learning Outcomes:

1. Describe an ICS organization for the highway incident addressed in the tabletop exercise.


1. Describe where transportation organization personnel and services fit into ICS.2. List interaction of transportation organizations with higher levels: giving tasks,

suggesting tasks and providing feedback.Instructional Method: Group Exercise (90 minutes):

A. Instructor will organize the tabletop exercise as follows: Participants will form four groups with each group conducting an

independent tabletop exercise. Each group will designate one or more persons to serve the following roles:

o Incident Commander (Unified Command) for each designated incidento Area Commander (Unified Area Command)o Ranking representatives of responding transportation organizations

B. Each group conducting a tabletop exercise will complete the following simultaneous tasks: Develop a chronological list of response activities of transportation and other

responding agencies in establishing on-scene Unified Command. The person(s) assuming each of the identified roles will maintain a log of response activities specific to their assigned incidents or organizational element(s).

Identify agencies required to participate in incident response and/or clearance in addition to functional assignments and required resources.

Prepare a Unified Command organizational structure for each designated highway incident and modify them as the incidents evolve.

Prepare an Area Command organizational structure and specify involved agencies and primary Area Command functions.

Identify required transportation response activities and interactions (e.g., information exchange and response coordination) between transportation organizations and other responding agencies under each designated Unified Command structure and Area Command. The person(s) assuming the role of ranking representatives of responding transportation organizations should maintain a log of transportation activities as the highway incidents evolve.

**Include 15-minute break between exercise and debrief**

Group Exercise (45 minutes):C. The four participant groups involved in the tabletop exercise will each deliver an

approximate 8-10 minute debrief on the tabletop exercise that will primarily address the following topics: Unified Command organizational structure for each designated incident Area Command organizational structure Key transportation response activities and interactions Successes and lessons learned from transportation perspective

Time Allocation: Exercises – 135 minutes Total: 135 minutes Evaluation Plan: Participant learning will be evaluated by their participation and responses in the

tabletop exercise, which will address the session learning outcomes. References for further info:



34


Session No. 14Session Title: Course Summary and ConclusionsSession Learning Outcomes: 1. Measure participants’ comprehension of material covered.


1. Describe where transportation organization personnel and services fit into ICS.2. Identify ICS functional areas and associated organizational levels within each

functional area.3. Describe how transportation organizations support other functions beside

operations.Instructional Method: Lecture (10 minutes):

A. Instructor will facilitate review of course outcomes, through a question and answer session, on the basic concepts, essential elements, and key initiatives involved in proactively using the ICS that was presented in Day One of this workshop.

End-of-Course Test (30 minutes):

B. Instructor will administer a written test consisting of a series of fill-in-the-blank, true/false, multiple choice, and/or short answer questions on course topics. In particular, test questions will target participant comprehension of topics addressed in the stated course outcomes.

Lecture (5 minutes):

C. Instructor will collect course registration and evaluation forms from participants and distribute course certificates.

Time Allocation: Lectures – 15 minutes Total: 45 minutes End of Course Test – 30 minutes

Evaluation Plan: N/AReferences for further info:



35

ICS PLP - FHWA Operations · Web viewLearners' responses will help you determine the source of...

Documents

Transcript of ICS PLP - FHWA Operations · Web viewLearners' responses will help you determine the source of...