THE USE OF T-CARDS IN THE INCIDENT COMMAND SYSTEM (ICS) AS A TRACKING TOOL FOR TASKS, RESOURCES AND COMMAND ORGANIZATION STRUCTURE, AND THE COLLECTION OF DATA

Abstract

In the Incident Command System (ICS), it is crucial to ensure the continuous monitoring of resource utilization during operational periods. At any given moment, it is necessary to know which resources are present, where they are operating within the command structure, their location in the response area, the tasks they are per­forming, the tasks yet to be completed, the tasks that have been completed, and any special equipment and materials they have received for their tasks. Additionally, it is essential to track data that allows for monitoring the costs of the response: work time and other data for personnel, vehicles, equipment, used materials, and ser­vices. One method for such monitoring is the use of T-cards for units and buildings or areas where a response is required. We first tested the use of T-cards in a complex international exercise. It turned out that their use allows for all this and more: properly organized T-cards provide commanders with a comprehensive view of the current state of response operations at a glance, quickly identifying where problems are concentrated and what resources are available to address them. The visual overview of the entire response is significantly better with T-cards than with computer screens in the field setting. The use of T-cards ensures accountability, which is a crucial responsibility of commanders.