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Responder: Unit Response Times

Purpose Statement

The Unit Response Times feature within the Response module enables administrators to view, analyze, and export response time data captured through unit status buttons within the First Due system. This functionality provides essential performance metrics for evaluating unit efficiency, compliance reporting, and operational analysis based on manual unit statusing rather than CAD-generated times.

Background Information

Unit response times in First Due are captured through manual unit status button operations, providing departments with response time data independent of their Computer-Aided Dispatch (CAD) systems. This feature is particularly valuable for departments that use unit statusing within First Due to track response phases such as dispatched, en route, on scene, and available times. The system allows administrators to filter response times by various criteria, review performance data, and export information for external analysis, reporting, or compliance documentation. This data supports operational decision-making, performance evaluation, and statistical reporting requirements.

Required Permissions

These permissions are located in the Response Section of Permissions: 
  1. Access Responder Unit Times--Allows user access to the Unit Response Times section.

Video

Step-by-Step Guide

 

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Critical Alert:

Important:  Unit response times are captured by the Unit Status Buttons. These times are not times associated with, or generated by, CAD. If your department uses Unit Status Buttons, then this area will allow for Administration to view and export these times.


 
1. Navigate to the Response module then select Unit Response Times.
 


 
2. Use the advance Filter fields to assist in locating a specific Unit Response.
 

 
3. Use the Pagination buttons to control the display number on the list and Selecting on the download icon will download a CSV file of the displayed screen.
 

 
4. Columns can be rearranged, resized and sorted in ascending/descending order by selecting on the column header.
 

Best Practices

Do's

  • Regularly review response times to identify trends and improvement opportunities
  • Use specific time frames that align with reporting periods or operational cycles
  • Filter by individual units to evaluate specific performance
  • Export data regularly for backup and historical analysis
  • Share response time data with relevant personnel for performance discussions
  • Use consistent filtering criteria for comparable analysis over time

Don'ts

  • Don't assume CAD times and First Due unit status times will match exactly
  • Don't overlook the importance of consistent unit statusing for accurate data
  • Don't export data without applying appropriate filters for your analysis needs
  • Don't ignore patterns in response times that might indicate operational issues
  • Don't share sensitive performance data without proper authorization
  • Don't rely solely on First Due data if your department primarily uses CAD timing

Tips & Recommendations

  • Coordinate with unit personnel to ensure consistent use of status buttons
  • Establish departmental standards for when and how to change unit status
  • Use response time data to identify training needs or operational improvements
  • Compare First Due response times with CAD data to identify discrepancies
  • Create regular reporting schedules for response time analysis
  • Document your filtering criteria for consistent reporting over time
  • Consider seasonal or shift-based analysis for more detailed insights

Troubleshooting & FAQs

Q: Why don't I see any response time data for my department? 
A: Response times are only captured if your department uses unit status buttons within First Due. If personnel don't manually change unit status, no data will be available.

Q: How do First Due response times differ from CAD response times? 
A: First Due times are based on manual unit status changes within the system, while CAD times are generated automatically by the CAD system. They may not match exactly.

Q: Can I view response times for multiple units simultaneously? 
A: Yes, you can filter by multiple criteria or leave unit filters broad to see response times for multiple units in the same report.

Q: Why are my exported files missing some data I can see on screen? 
A: Ensure all relevant data is visible on screen before exporting, as the export captures what's currently displayed based on your applied filters.

Q: How often should I review unit response times? 
A: This depends on departmental needs, but regular monthly or quarterly reviews can help identify trends and performance issues.

Q: Can I compare response times between different time periods? 
A: Yes, by changing your time frame filters and exporting data for different periods, then comparing the exported files externally.