Incident Command System (ICS) #

Fast-forward to the 1970s. Initially developed for California wildfire response, the Incident Command System (ICS) standardized incident response by introducing common terminology, defining clear roles and responsibilities, establishing effective communication channels, and emphasizing thorough documentation. 

The ICS emphasizes communication as a critical component of effective incident management, explicitly calling attention to the following best practices:

• Keep information clear and to the point to avoid any confusion.
• Use a variety of channels – like radios, status boards, and emails – to ensure everyone stays in the loop.
• Set regular update intervals to keep everyone aware of the latest developments.
• Ensure all messages are aligned and approved by the Incident Commander or the designated lead.

Since then, the ICS has been adopted across various sectors, including public safety, healthcare, and IT, and its communication practices remain relevant today.