Emergency Operations Centers and Incident Management Structure

Abstract

Domestically and internationally, Emergency Operation Centers and Incident Management Systems provide a structure and framework to coordinate preparedness and response activities. This chapter provides a US perspective on emergency response systems, but the concepts have been successfully implemented in other countries. Public health responses are often complex, requiring adaptive leadership and flexible systems to be effective as information is received, analyzed, and shared with response partners and affected populations. Familiarity with the emergency management principles underlying these frameworks can help rapidly integrate field epidemiology expertise into response operations. Emergency Operations Centers typically become activated when an entity (local, regional, district, prefecture, state) responsible for maintaining routine public health and medical systems becomes overwhelmed in a crisis. Preparedness activities, such as preestablished organizational structures, protocols and policies, mutual aid and resource-sharing agreements, trained staff, and mechanisms to procure necessary capabilities can bring resources together for a rapid and effective response.