Incident Command For EMS

Whether fire or EMS, career or volunteer, training on the Incident Command System structure is necessary for the most effective incident operation. Integrating the EMS provider into the ICS structure is vital to ensure that ICS positions are filled by the appropriate individuals.
Written for EMS supervisors and shift supervisors, paramedics, and lieutenants, Incident Command for EMS looks in detail at the overall ICS structure, specifically the positions related to the EMS provider, and uses scenarios to ensure that readers understand the application of ICS principles for every response, from the single patient to the mass casualty incident.

Karen Owens is a 15-year veteran of the EMS field, serving both as a volunteer and career provider for government and commercial ambulance services. Since 2001 she has worked at the Virginia Office of Emergency Medical Services in various positions, including emergency operations officer, emergency operations training coordinator, and most recently, emergency operations assistant manager. Owens has authored multiple articles for Fire Engineering and has been a presenter at FDIC East, FDIC, and the Virginia EMS Symposium on topics that include mass casualty incident management, rehab, EMS for ICS providers, and triage systems. She is a Life Member at East Hanover Volunteer Rescue Squad (Mechanicsville, VA) where she has served as EMT/driver, public relations officer, and president. Owens received her masters in public safety leadership (2005) and her bachelor of arts in psychology (2001) from Christopher Newport University. She holds a certification as a Virginia EMT-Basic Instructor, Virginia Firefighter I & II, and is a Certified Emergency Management Assistant.