In this lesson, you will review the general responsibilities that EOCs have in response to incidents and emergency events.
EOC Responsibilities
EOCs
should have their responsibilities clearly identified in their EOC plan
or other PHEM document. Having pre-identified EOC responsibilities
helps to clarify roles, reduces duplication with other EOCs, and
improves overall efficiency.
should have their responsibilities clearly identified in their EOC plan
or other PHEM document. Having pre-identified EOC responsibilities
helps to clarify roles, reduces duplication with other EOCs, and
improves overall efficiency.
To enhance coordinated and consistent direction, EOC responsibilities should be clearly posted and communicated in the EOC.
An
EOCs overall responsibilities remain relatively constant during a
response. They help to guide operational direction at a high level and
maintain alignment with the organisation's overall mandate.
EOCs overall responsibilities remain relatively constant during a
response. They help to guide operational direction at a high level and
maintain alignment with the organisation's overall mandate.
Reflection
Take a moment to list some general responsibilities that may be appropriate for your operational or strategic level EOC.
Typical EOC Responsibilities
How does the list below compare to your list? Read each responsibility to learn more.
Provide strategic and operational direction
An EOC may need to interpret, advise, or recommend modifications to
organizational policies to enable personnel to address the complex needs
of a major incident. The EOC is also the key decision-making body
relative to strategic and/or operational direction and consequence
management - within their area of responsibility.
organizational policies to enable personnel to address the complex needs
of a major incident. The EOC is also the key decision-making body
relative to strategic and/or operational direction and consequence
management - within their area of responsibility.
Coordinate activities with departments, agencies, and partners
An EOC serves as a central point for coordination of emergency response
activities. It brings together multiple agencies and organisations
involved in the response to an emergency, including government agencies,
non-governmental organisations, and other partners. Through this
coordination, collaborative plans are developed and implemented within
and across sectors.
activities. It brings together multiple agencies and organisations
involved in the response to an emergency, including government agencies,
non-governmental organisations, and other partners. Through this
coordination, collaborative plans are developed and implemented within
and across sectors.
Develop situational awareness and understanding
An EOC monitors overall risk, the situation, and gathers information
from various sources, such as public health surveillance systems,
emergency response agencies, and other stakeholders. This information is
then analyzed and used to inform decision-making and response
activities.
from various sources, such as public health surveillance systems,
emergency response agencies, and other stakeholders. This information is
then analyzed and used to inform decision-making and response
activities.
Acquire, track, and deploy resources
An
EOC manages and allocates resources (i.e., personnel, supplies, and
equipment) to support the response effort. This includes coordinating
with external organisations and agencies to secure and deploy limited
resources effectively.
EOC manages and allocates resources (i.e., personnel, supplies, and
equipment) to support the response effort. This includes coordinating
with external organisations and agencies to secure and deploy limited
resources effectively.
Manage internal and external communications
An
EOC serves as a central point for communication with stakeholders,
including government agencies, healthcare providers, community
organisations, and the public. It disseminates information about the
emergency and response activities and provides guidance on how to
protect public health and safety.
EOC serves as a central point for communication with stakeholders,
including government agencies, healthcare providers, community
organisations, and the public. It disseminates information about the
emergency and response activities and provides guidance on how to
protect public health and safety.
Monitor and report on financial commitments
An EOC will need to track and forecast financial commitments related to
human resources, supplies, and equipment. This reporting will help
maintain accountability, inform future plans, and allow the organisation
to accurately request response funding.
human resources, supplies, and equipment. This reporting will help
maintain accountability, inform future plans, and allow the organisation
to accurately request response funding.
Resources
Displaying
EOC Responsibilities in your EOC is one way to help personnel stay
aligned with your centre's overall purpose and responsibilities.
EOC Responsibilities in your EOC is one way to help personnel stay
aligned with your centre's overall purpose and responsibilities.
Tactical Responsibilities
If
you are working at the operational or strategic level, it is important
to distinguish tactical or site/field responsibilities from those which
are carried out at higher levels. Tactical responsibilities are best
managed and directed by those in the field with first hand knowledge of
the situation. These tactical responsibilities are often services
provided directly to citizens or conducted in and at the community
level. Operational decisions related to site or field activities are best made by management personnel at the tactical level. Those at operational or strategic level EOCs may provide overall
direction, communicate policy, support collaborative planning, and
approval strategic direction. Management personnel at the site/field
level, with current knowledge of local needs, capacities, and
constraints, should be given responsibility to implement and direct
final implementation within established limits.
you are working at the operational or strategic level, it is important
to distinguish tactical or site/field responsibilities from those which
are carried out at higher levels. Tactical responsibilities are best
managed and directed by those in the field with first hand knowledge of
the situation. These tactical responsibilities are often services
provided directly to citizens or conducted in and at the community
level. Operational decisions related to site or field activities are best made by management personnel at the tactical level. Those at operational or strategic level EOCs may provide overall
direction, communicate policy, support collaborative planning, and
approval strategic direction. Management personnel at the site/field
level, with current knowledge of local needs, capacities, and
constraints, should be given responsibility to implement and direct
final implementation within established limits.
Did You Know?
If
an "operational" or "strategic" level EOC is taking direct
accountability for a tactical assignment of personnel in the field,
their Operations Section must implement additional safety and
accountability systems. Alternatively, they can transfer the
accountability for the field resources to a suitable "tactical" level
management structure with suitable systems.
an "operational" or "strategic" level EOC is taking direct
accountability for a tactical assignment of personnel in the field,
their Operations Section must implement additional safety and
accountability systems. Alternatively, they can transfer the
accountability for the field resources to a suitable "tactical" level
management structure with suitable systems.
Summary
1. Clearly defining responsibilities for each EOC will help clarify roles and improve response efficiency.
2. Overall EOC responsibilities should be clearly posted and communicated to personnel.
3. Strategic and Operational EOCs should avoid taking direct responsibility for tactical activities.
4. Tactical responsibilities are best managed by those at field/site with first hand knowledge.
