3440.10 with Changes - Navy Medicine - U.S. Navy

SECTION 3
COMMAND AND CONTROL
Ref: (a) National Incident Management System (NIMS)
(b) Hospital Incident Command System (HICS) Guidebook
BUMEDINST 3440.10
20 Nov 2008
1. Purpose. To provide guidance to MTF commanders on issues of Command and Control (C2)
within the framework of EM operations.
2. Background
a. The MTF command structure is an excellent model for daily business operations, and, in
many cases, increased operational tempo events. However, in the face of an emergency or large-
scale event requiring concise and smooth interoperability with other DoD commands or agencies,
other Federal agencies, or State and local responders, the normal command structure and position
titles are not the most efficient means to conduct EM operations.
b. The Secretary of Defense and all other cabinet level officers are signatories to the NIMS,
reference (a) of this section. A key item required by this document is that the ICS will be utilized
any time two or more Federal agencies respond to an emergency. Further, the document requires
Federal agencies to encourage partner State and local agencies to utilize the system. This ensures
use of common terminology and contributes towards development of a common operating picture
between responding agencies.
c. Reference (b) of this section, the HICS Guidebook, meets NIMS requirements and has
been developed with the support of the DHS NIMS Integration Center, Health and Human
Services (HHS), American Hospital Association, and the Joint Commission.
3. Responsibility. The MTF commander shall:
a. Ensure that HICS is utilized as directed herein.
b. Maintain full responsibility for the actions of his or her command and subordinate
commanders when incident command authority is delegated.
4. Procedures
a. HICS shall serve as the command and control tool during all EM events.
b. BUMED MTFs shall utilize HICS as documented in the HICS Guidebook, reference (b)
of this section, whenever the installation or supported community implements ICS for an
incident that will include MTF participation. This will assure commonality of terminology and
functions when operating with local, State, tribal, and Federal responders/receivers, other
hospitals, or local/regional emergency operations centers.
33 Enclosure (1)