National Standard Operating Procedures - Jul 2022

Coordinated Incident Management
(CIMS) Response - NSOP
Section 9 – Search and Rescue Operations
Version Number: 1.1
Effective Date: 1 October 2021
Review Date: 31 July 2023
Document Owner: National Search and Rescue Manager
1.0 PURPOSE
To outline the steps required to initiate transferring the management of an incident over to a
Coordinated Incident Management Structure (CIMS). CIMS provides the model for command,
control, and coordination of an incident response. It is most useful when escalating an
emergency response from a single agency response to a multi-agency response. It provides
a means of coordinating the efforts of agencies as they work towards the common goal of
stabilising an incident and protecting life. CIMS aims to build a more proactive incident
management response system that will increase efficiencies through better coordination of
resources. It will also reduce the risk of service overlap and potential confusion at incidents
through poor understanding and inadequate coordination.
2.0 SCOPE
This NSOP links with the SAR Operations Policy and applies to any member operating in a
Search and Rescue event, this includes but is not limited to all Search and Rescue training,
all Search and Rescue exercises, all operations including, but not limited to, first aid delivery,
rescues and searching for missing persons.
3.0 REQUIREMENTS
Required PPE
N/A
Awards/ Licenses
N/A
Training
CIMS 3 (online, open to all Lifeguards)
CIMS 4 (by application through the SAR Coordinator)
Other
N/A
Equipment
N/A
4.0 OFFSHORE MARINE SAR – PROCEDURES
4.1 CIMS may be used at a variety of incidents, including: response to natural hazards,
police incidents, fires, multiple casualties in an incident, air, rail, water or ground
transportation accidents, public health and medical incidents, pre-planned events
(e.g., concerts) and Search and Rescue missions.
NSOP
COORDINATED INCIDENT MANAGEMENT CIMS RESPONSE NSOP_FINAL 107