The ICS framework is designed to be used for all emergencies and is applicable to small day-to-day situations as well as very large and complex incidents.

The ICS framework, operating requirements, components, and procedures are designed for organizing and operating an on-scene management structure only.

Users of this guide are expected to be familiar with the ICS.

Neither this guide nor any of the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) approved ICS courses or documents provide a specific plan for managing an SAR operation, but rather they outline a process for developing a management and coordination framework.

It is not intended for this standard to conflict in any way with civil SAR responsibilities agreed to by the National Search and Rescue Plan of the United States, the International Aeronautical and Maritime Search and Rescue Manual (IAMSAR), or other appropriate international instruments.

1.1 This guide covers the use of the Incident Command System (ICS), as developed in the National Incident Management System (NIMS) in 2004, as the management framework for search and rescue (SAR) operations.

1.2 Except as otherwise specified herein, the methods and requirements of this standard also include NIMS, ICS, and National Response Framework (NRF) requirements, when required, for search and rescue personnel that deploy within the United States of America.

1.3 The ICS may be used outside of the United States for managing SAR operations, users of this standard need to be aware of other incident management requirements, guidelines, policies, procedures, and protocols within the area of ICS SAR operations.

1.4 This standard does not purport to address all of the safety problems, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety and health practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.