An effective incident management system requires the ability to establish command and control; i.e. to move the management of the response from the initial reactive mode to one where the scope of the incident is understood, appropriate response actions are being taken in alignment with response strategies, and where the outcome of the incident is being driven by a clear set of objectives to protect people and the environment. This document introduces the common elements of an IMS to stakeholders who may be called upon to work together to provide specific expertise, assistance or response resources during an emergency incident.