For many events, the ICS 201 is often the only ICS form used for the first 12 hours of a response.

Also, the data on the ICS 201 is most of what is needed when transitioning from the reaction phase to the managed phase because it documents a great deal of the situational awareness Crisis Response Leaders need early in the incident. (Pillars of Command)

Many simple or short-in-duration events are successfully managed using just the ICS 201.

The ICS 201 is four pages long.  The first two pages record major information pillars including a:

1. Map Sketch of the Incident
2. Situation Summary of the Situation
3. Current and Planned Objectives
4. Current and Planned Actions

The last two pages record:

1. The current Organization Chart
2. A Summary of Activated Resources