Hospital Incident Command System (HICS)

The Hospital Incident Command System (HICS) is a structured framework that hospitals use to manage emergency situations efficiently. It organizes staff roles and responsibilities during incidents like natural disasters, mass casualties, or other crises, ensuring clear communication and coordinated response. HICS provides a chain of command, predefined procedures, and resource management strategies, allowing the hospital to respond quickly, minimize confusion, and protect patient and staff safety. Essentially, it acts as a leadership blueprint that helps hospitals operate effectively under pressure during emergencies.