Overview

There is limited scientific research on the organizational structure of the Hospital Incident Command System. The Hospital Alarm and Emergency Planning manual by the German Federal Office of Civil Protection and Disaster Assistance (BBK) recommends a continental staff system-based organization, as outlined in the Service Regulation DV 100, similar to military, fire, and police structures. This approach is frequently discussed at professional conferences, but evidence on its functionality in hospitals is lacking. This study aims to generate new insights into the use of a continental staff system-based Hospital Incident Command System and qualitatively analyze transition and communication processes within the command structure.

Eligibility

Inclusion Criteria:

• Participation in at least one hospital incident command system (ICS) training and, if applicable, in a ICS exercise.

Written informed consent from the employee for participation in the second part of the study (semi-structured interview)

Exclusion Criteria:

• Decline of study participation