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Mobile Response (iOS): Creating New Incidents and Messages

Purpose Statement

The manual incident creation and messaging feature enables authorized users to create dispatch incidents and send messages to other users directly from the First Due mobile app. This functionality provides operational flexibility when CAD systems are unavailable, during training exercises, or when immediate communication is needed outside of automated dispatch processes.
 

Background Information

Manual incident creation from mobile devices allows field personnel and supervisors to initiate dispatches and communicate with users when traditional dispatch methods are not available or appropriate. This feature is particularly valuable during system outages, training scenarios, mutual aid responses, or when immediate notifications are needed for operational updates. The functionality includes both incident creation with full dispatch details and simple messaging capabilities, ensuring comprehensive communication options for emergency response personnel.
 

ℹ️

Info:

The messaging creates an Alert similar to an incident, regardless of the users alert settings, and populates the message in the incident list.

Required Permissions

  • Admin>Allow mobile app sign in:  Allows user to sign into the Mobile App
  • Admin>Allow Offline Sign in:  Allows user to sign into the Mobile App while Offline
  • Response>Create Dispatch from Mobile:  Allow user to create dispatches & messages In Mobile
  • Response>Read Dispatch Call Notes:  User can read the dispatch call notes
     

Video

Step-By-Step Guide

New Incident:

 

1. Select the Incidents button on the lower left of the screen.

2. Select "Add Dispatches" in the lower right of the Incidents menu.



 
3.Select "Incident"



 
4. Utilizing the drop down menu, select the "Dispatch Type Code".  Dispatch Type Name will automatically populate.



 
5. Enter an address for the incident under "Place". If the address is not one recognized in the First Due system, enter the information under "Manual Address".



 
6. Enter any Call Notes, select the Units to dispatch on the incident and select if you wish to have a NFIRS Notification created (It will create a NERIS notification if your agency has switched over.)



 
7.Select "Create" at the top of the New Dispatch menu.



 
8. Confirm that you would like the incident created.

 
 

New Message:
 

1.  Select the Incidents button on the lower left of the screen.
2.  Select "Add Dispatches" in the lower right of the Incidents menu.



3. Then:
 
 A. Select "Message
 
 B  Compose the Message you wish to send

 C. Select "Create"



 
4.  Confirm that you would like the message sent.



 
5.  Example of a message that populates in the incident list.


 
 
5. Touching the Message expands the message into a new window
                 

Best Practices

Do's

  • Verify user permissions are properly configured before attempting to create dispatches
  • Double-check address information and incident details before creating dispatch
  • Use clear, concise language in call notes and messages
  • Test manual dispatch functionality during training periods
  • Coordinate with dispatch center when creating manual incidents to avoid duplication
  • Document manual incidents according to department protocols

Don'ts

  • Don't create duplicate dispatches if CAD system is functioning normally
  • Don't use manual dispatch for routine communications that could use other channels
  • Don't forget to include essential information in call notes
  • Don't create NFIRS notifications for training or non-emergency incidents
  • Don't assume all users have manual dispatch permissions enabled
  • Don't create incidents without proper authorization during actual emergencies

Tips & Recommendations

  • Practice manual incident creation during training exercises to ensure familiarity
  • Establish protocols for when manual dispatch is appropriate versus CAD dispatch
  • Use the messaging feature for operational updates and non-emergency communications
  • Coordinate with dispatch personnel to understand integration with existing systems
  • Keep incident types and codes current with department standards
  • Consider using manual dispatch as backup during CAD system maintenance

Troubleshooting & FAQs

Q: I don't see the "Add Dispatch" option in my incident menu. What's wrong? 
A: Ensure the "Create dispatch from mobile" permission is enabled in your response permission bucket. Contact your administrator if this permission is not active.

Q: The address I entered isn't being recognized by the system. How do I proceed? 
A: You can manually input the complete address information in the address field. Include all relevant location details for responding units.

Q: Can I edit or cancel a dispatch after I've created it? 
A: The video doesn't specify edit capabilities. Contact your system administrator about policies for modifying or canceling manually created dispatches.

Q: Will manually created incidents integrate with our CAD system? 
A: Integration capabilities depend on your system configuration. Coordinate with your dispatch center to understand how manual dispatches interact with existing CAD operations.

Q: Do messages sent through this feature create any permanent record? 
A: Messages appear in dispatch lists, but for permanent record-keeping requirements, consult your department's documentation policies.

Q: Can I send messages to specific users or groups? 
A: The video shows general message creation but doesn't detail recipient selection options. Check with your administrator about targeting specific users or groups.

 

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