Unified Command during Emergencies
In the event of emergencies or disasters, a lot of workforce and resources are required to ensure that the fatalities or adverse impacts that can occur are minimized and maintained. According to the standards put in place by the NFPA 1600, it encourages the coordination and cooperation of agencies that are involved in managing emergencies to ensure the effectiveness of the work they do. The NFPA 1600 document is the best in managing disasters that the homeland security agency adopted it. The document is formulated based on legal rules and regulations which protect all those involved according to the law, and it is flexible that it is applicable in all instances.
In the NFPA 1600, there are various instances that the word “legal” has been used, but there are instances that apply to commanders and the first responders in the event of an emergency. Appendix E section E.1.1- 2J and section E.1.2 under Unified Command (UC) states that all agencies involved in mitigating disasters and emergencies should be unified and work together (NFPA, 2013). The unified command suggests that no matter the legal jurisdiction that an agency has in the event of a disaster, they should put aside their differences and work together as a team.
The importance of having a unified command that is not constrained by legal, geographical, or functional responsibilities among first responders and commanders is that it encourages teamwork among the agencies. The flexibility of the legal framework on commanders and first responders enables the teams to coordinate, plan, and operate effectively during instances of emergencies (NFPA, 2013). The coordination allows the organizations to work fast and effectively, ensuring that the situation is contained and the fatalities are reduced to the minimum. Working in unison and under a unified command enables the agencies to achieve more than what could have been achieved under a single command.
Reference
National Fire Protection Association. (2013). NFPA 1600, standard on disaster/emergency management and business continuity programs. Quincy, MA: National Fire Protection Association.