The Indian Health Service (IHS) may be called upon to respond to and/or assist in recovery from the effects of emergency incidents or natural and man-made disasters.  Homeland Security Presidential Directive-5 requires Federal departments and agencies to adopt the National Incident Management System (NIMS) as the model to prepare for, respond to, and recover from emergency incidents and disasters.

The purpose of this memorandum is to adopt the use of the NIMS and the IHS emergency management concept of operations.  This will enable the IHS to provide a consistent Agency approach that will work effectively and efficiently together with Federal, State, local, and Tribal Governments to prevent, prepare for, respond to, and recover from domestic emergency and disaster incidents, regardless of cause, size, or complexity.

The Director, IHS Emergency Services, shall:

1. ensure IHS-wide compliance with the NIMS requirements and standards;
2. ensure that all Agency personnel who may be required to participate in the management of emergency incidents and disasters receive necessary training based on NIMS standards;
3. oversee the planning and implementation of NIMS within the IHS; and
4. assist in the review of each Area Office Emergency Operations Plan to ensure NIMS compliance.

If you have any question regarding this directive, please contact Mr. Steve (Sid) Caesar, Director, IHS Emergency Services, at 301-443-2070.