§7332. Definitions.

The following words and phrases when used in this subchapter shall have the meanings given to them in this section unless the context clearly indicates otherwise:

"Agency." The Pennsylvania Emergency Management Agency.

"Committee." The Intrastate Mutual Aid Committee.

"Dedicated emergency response organization." Any entity organized, chartered or incorporated in this Commonwealth or chartered by the Congress of the United States for the primary purpose of providing emergency services. The term shall include volunteer, career and combination organizations.

"Emergency responder." An individual in the public or private sector who has special skills, qualifications, training, knowledge or experience, whether or not the person possesses a license, certificate, permit or other official recognition for the skills, qualifications, training, knowledge or experience, that would benefit a participating political subdivision in responding to an authorized mutual aid request or participating in an authorized drill or exercise. The term shall include a law enforcement officer, a firefighter, an emergency medical services worker, a physician, nurse or other public health worker, an emergency management official, a coroner or medical examiner, a State-certified hazardous materials team member, a public works worker, a building inspector, an architect, an engineer or other design professional or a person with specialized equipment operations skills or training or with any other skills needed to provide aid in a declared emergency.

"Incident." Any event or condition which constitutes an actual or imminent threat to public health and safety, public or private property or the economic well-being of the community.

"Incident commander." The individual responsible for all incident-related activities, including the development of strategies and tactics and the ordering and releasing of resources as provided under the National Incident Management System.

"Mutual aid." Mutual assistance and sharing of resources among participating political subdivisions in the prevention of, response to and recovery from threats to public health and safety that are beyond the capability of an affected community to respond.

"National Incident Management System." The National Incident Management System established by the United States Department of Homeland Security.

"Participating political subdivision." A political subdivision that has not opted out of the intrastate mutual aid system.

"Political subdivision." Any county, city, borough, incorporated town or township. The term shall include any council of governments established among any of the above.

"Requesting political subdivision." A participating political subdivision that requests assistance under this subchapter.

"Responding political subdivision." A participating political subdivision that responds to a request for assistance under this subchapter.

"System." The intrastate mutual aid system.