When should the Incident Command System be implemented?

The implementation of the Incident Command System (ICS) should occur as soon as an incident arises that necessitates a coordinated response. This approach ensures that all resources, roles, and responsibilities are organized effectively right from the beginning, promoting a swift and efficient response. Timely activation of the ICS is critical to managing the situation effectively, as it helps in streamlining operations and communication among various responding entities.

Waiting until a major disaster occurs could lead to delays that may compromise safety and effectiveness in managing the incident. Similarly, an approach that relies solely on the availability of resources or the request of senior management could hinder timely response efforts. The ICS is designed to be flexible and scalable, applicable for incidents of any size, thus emphasizing the importance of immediate implementation when coordination is needed.