Which key document is primarily used in NIMS for incident management?

The Incident Action Plan (IAP) is the key document used in the National Incident Management System (NIMS) for incident management. The IAP outlines the objectives, strategies, and tactics that will be implemented during an incident response, providing a clear and structured approach to managing resources and actions effectively.

In NIMS, developing an IAP is crucial for coordinating efforts and ensuring all responders are aligned with the established goals during an incident. It serves as a communication tool that can be shared among team members and external stakeholders, ensuring everyone is informed about the overall strategy and the specific roles each participant will play.

This document helps maintain operational focus and facilitates a common understanding of the incident response plan among diverse agencies and organizations involved in the response effort. By standardizing the way incident response is planned, the IAP fosters interoperability and enhances coordination among different responders.

Other documents such as the Incident Command System (ICS), Standard Operating Procedures (SOP), and Operational Plan (OP) have their own roles, but they do not serve as the primary guide for incident management in the same comprehensive manner as the Incident Action Plan does.