Coordinated Incident Management Systems

This course provides a foundational understanding of New Zealand’s Coordinated Incident Management System (CIMS) framework. It is designed for individuals involved in emergency response or those requiring a basic understanding of coordinated incident management. The course introduces key CIMS principles, roles, structures, and functions, and highlights the importance of situational awareness in effective incident response.

Course Overview

• Module 1: Introduction to CIMS Principles and Roles

Objective: To provide a clear understanding of the foundational principles and roles within the CIMS framework.

Topics Covered:

CIMS Principles: Responsiveness to Community Needs, Flexibility, Unity of Effort

Roles in CIMS: Key roles such as Incident Controller, Operations Manager, Planning Manager, Logistics Manager, Intelligence Manager, and their responsibilities in incident management.

Application of CIMS Principles and Roles: How these roles and principles support coordinated, multi-agency response efforts.

Activities:

Group discussion on how the principles support effective incident management.

• Module 2: CIMS Structure and Functions

Objective: To outline the structured framework of CIMS and the nine key functions.

Topics Covered:

CIMS Structure: Hierarchical and adaptable structure to fit incident size and complexity.

Functions in CIMS: Control, Operations, Planning, Intelligence, Logistics, Welfare, Public Information Management, Liaison, and Safety.

Coordination Centres and Response Levels: Understanding coordination centres at incident, local, regional, and national levels, and their role in managing resources and response actions.

• Module 3: The Impact of Situational Awareness on Incident Response

Objective: To understand the importance of situational awareness and how it affects decision-making during an incident.

Topics Covered:

Situational Awareness: Definition and key components (Perception, Comprehension, and Projection).

Common Operating Picture (COP): How a COP is created and maintained to provide real-time information across agencies.

Consequences of Poor Situational Awareness: Identifying and managing potential risks, misinformation, and communication breakdowns.

Key Response Documents: Incident Action Plans (APs), Status Reports, and their role in maintaining situational awareness.

Activities:

Scenario-based exercises to assess situational awareness during simulated incidents.

Review and creation of Action Plans and status reports to practice maintaining situational awareness.

This course covers NZQA Unit Standard(s)

32158: Demonstrate basic knowledge of New Zealand’s Coordinated Incident Management System

Maximum 12

Learner Detail Confirmation: 

All learners are required to have their identity verified prior to attending training.

If a learner is new to Industry Training Works, or their details cannot be confirmed within our database, we may request a copy of valid identification to complete enrolment.

Course Criteria:

Participants must meet minimum English language requirements (e.g. NCEA Level 1 or equivalent / IELTS 5.5) If this requirement is not met, a reader/writer must be provided (not another course participant).

We have processes in place to support all participants throughout their training, helping them achieve certification where applicable.

There is also a free online learning platform, Pathways Awarua, which helps build reading, writing, and maths skills, along with practical work and life skills. This includes support for learning to drive (Road Code), heavy vehicle and forklift licences, health and safety, and understanding personal finance (My Money).

Find out more about Pathways Awarua here.