In ICS, what is a strike team?

A strike team in the Incident Command System (ICS) refers to a pre-established set number of resources that are of the same kind and type, typically organized to respond quickly to incidents. This means that a strike team is composed of multiple units or personnel that are all equipped to perform the same function, such as a group of fire engines or medical squads, which allows for more coordinated and effective operations during an emergency response.

The advantage of having a strike team is that it provides a scalable and standardized approach to deploying resources, making it easier for incident commanders to allocate the appropriate amount of help based on the needs of the incident. This pre-defined structure enhances efficiency and can lead to a more rapid mobilization of resources in critical situations.

Understanding the role of a strike team is important as it emphasizes the essence of organized and effective resource utilization within the ICS framework, promoting a systematic response to various emergency situations.