Recognition Primed Decision Making
A model that describes how experts make decisions under stressful situations that are time critical and rapidly changing.
Prospect Theory
A theory about how people make choices between different options or prospects, is designed to better describe, explain and predict the choices that the typical person makes, especially in a world of uncertainty.
National Incident Management System (NIMS)
A system mandated by HSPD-5 that provides a consistent nationwide approach for Federal, State, local and tribal governments; the private sector; and nongovernmental organizations to work effectively and efficiently together to prepare for, respond to and recover from domestic incidents, regardless of cause, size or complexity. To provide for interoperability and compatibility among Federal, State,…
Management by Objective
A management approach that involves a four-step process for achieving the incident goal. The Management by Objectives approach includes the following: establishing overarching objectives; developing and issuing assignments, plans, procedures and protocols; establishing specific, measurable objectives for various incident management functional activities and directing efforts to fulfill them, in support of defined strategic objectives; and…
Major Disaster
As defined under the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act (42 U.S.C. 5122), a major disaster is any natural catastrophe (including any hurricane, tornado, storm, high water, wind-driven water, tidal wave, tsunami, earthquake, volcanic eruption, landslide, mudslide, snowstorm or drought) or, regardless of cause, any fire, flood or explosion, in any part…
Incident Command System (ICS)
A standardized on-scene emergency management construct specifically designed to provide for the adoption of an integrated organizational structure that reflects the complexity and demands of single or multiple incidents. Unhindered by jurisdictional boundaries, ICS is the combination of facilities, equipment, personnel, procedures and communications operating within a common organizational structure, designed to aid in the…
Incident Command Post (ICP)
The field location at which the primary tactical-level, on-scene incident command functions are performed.
Incident Commander (IC)
The individual responsible for all incident activities, including the development of strategies and tactics and the ordering and the release of resources. The IC has overall authority and responsibility for conducting incident operations and is responsible for the management of all incident operations at the incident site.