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Knowledge Center

Responder: Setting up Unit Tracking

Purpose Statement

Unit Tracking enables agencies to monitor the real-time location of apparatus and personnel devices within the First Due platform. This functionality improves situational awareness, accountability, and operational coordination by displaying unit locations on both mobile and web responder maps.

Background Information

Unit Tracking uses the GPS location of the device running the First Due mobile app—not the apparatus itself. This distinction is critical: if a device leaves the unit, the unit icon will follow the device.

Key capabilities include:

  • Viewing unit positions on incidents and across jurisdictions
  • Monitoring personnel movement during remote or extended operations
  • Enhancing accountability and command decision-making

Important notes:

  • Tracking is only supported on mobile devices (not desktops or MDTs)
  • Location updates occur approximately every 7 seconds
  • Icon status indicators:
    • Bold icon = moved within last 2 minutes
    • Dim icon = no movement in 2+ minutes

Required Permissions

To configure and use Unit Tracking, the following permissions are required:

  • Admin Module Access
    • User Management (edit users/units)
  • Role Permissions Access
    • Ability to modify role permissions
  • Responder Map Permissions
    • “Responder Map – Show Devices Layer” enabled

Additionally:

  • Backend enablement must be completed by a Client Success Manager or Implementation Manager

Video

What is Unit Tracking?

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Important Note:

The device that is logged into the Unit account that the First Due App is running on, whether a tablet or phone, is what is actually being tracked, not the apparatus itself. Viewing the tracked units can be accomplished on both the First Due application and on the web responder section of First Due, but only the app can be used for the tracked unit.

  1. Unit Tracking is a convenient option allowing the Unit devices to be seen on the map of the mobile app and the First Due website. This allows users to see where units are coming from, positioned on a scene or, if the personnel bring the device with them on a remote incident location, allows for accountability and monitoring.
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Critical Alert:

To keep from seeing multiples of the same unit tracking icon on the map, only log into the Unit account on one device.

Setting up Unit Tracking

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Important Note:

The first step is to contact your Implementation Manager or Client Success Manager and have them enable Unit Tracking for your account

 

1.  Account Administrators:
 
  1. Navigate to Admin Module Users, search the unit you would like to set up for tracking and select the pencil  to edit the Unit.

     
  2. In the Update User menu, enable "Unit User" and select the appropriate Subtype: 


     
2.   Select 


 
3.  On the Unit device:
  1. Activate tracking permissions in the device itself  (In iOS):
     
    1. Select Settings

       
    2. Select Privacy & Security

       
    3. Select Location Services

       
    4. Ensure Location Services are turned on

       
    5. Scan down the list of apps and select First Due

       
    6. Select the frequency that you would like the "Unit" tracked. "Always" is highly recommended.



       
    7. Activate tracking permissions in the device itself  (In Android):
       
      1. Select Settings     
         
      2. Select Location


         
      3. Select App Permissions
         
         
      4. Select First Due


         
      5. Select Allow only while using the app
         

Icons 

  1. The standard Unit icons for the map are:
     
    1. Engine

       
    2. Ladder

       
    3. Rescue

       
    4. Brush Truck

       
    5. Tender/Tanker

       
    6. Ambulance

       
    7. Chief's Vehicle

       
    8. Hazmat

       
    9. Command Unit

       
    10. EMS Supervisor

       
    11. Safety Officer

       
    12. Support Vehicle

       
    13. Boat

       
    14. Utility

       
    15. Air Truck

       
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Important Note:

Minimum location trigger distance: 100 meters. - This is the minimum distance change in which a device will send a location update.

Device location frequency update: 10 second - This is the frequency in which a device will update the position.

Fetching others location: 15 seconds - This is the frequency in which app requests others location to see on the map.

Keep alive: 30s seconds - A recent introduced concept, that allows the device to keep updating the location when it's not moving, therefore, it will not show grayed out. This will work as well when app is in background.

To modify the unit icon

  1. Navigate to: Admin Users and select the pencil in the row of the Unit you wish to edit.
     
  2. Under Profile Image, select Choose File

  1. Upload the image you wish to use.  The Profile Image cannot be larger than 460 pixels by 460 pixels and must be GIF, JPG or PNG file types.
  2. Select 

Best Practices

  • Log into only one device per unit account to avoid duplicate icons
  • Ensure location permissions are set to “Always”, not “While Using”
  • Assign clear and consistent unit subtypes for map readability
  • Use custom icons sparingly and consistently across units
  • Periodically verify devices are actively reporting location

Troubleshooting & FAQs

Q: Why is my unit not showing on the map?
A: Check:

  • Location services are enabled and set to “Always”
  • Unit subtype is assigned
  • Backend tracking is enabled
  • Device has internet connectivity

Q: Why is the unit location incorrect?
A: The icon reflects the device location, not the apparatus. Ensure the device remains with the unit.

Q: Why do I see duplicate unit icons?
A: Multiple devices are logged into the same unit account. Log out of extra devices.

Q: Why is the icon dim?
A: The device has not moved in at least 2 minutes.

Q: Can I use unit tracking on a desktop or MDT?
A: No, tracking only works on mobile devices running the First Due app.