Purpose Statement

The Command Board serves as the central incident management workspace within First Due. It provides command staff with a real-time operational view of an incident, allowing users to manage assignments, personnel, resources, communications, documentation, and incident strategy from a single interface.

The Command Board remains accessible while navigating between sections, ensuring incident commanders can maintain situational awareness and operational control throughout the incident lifecycle.

Background Information

The Command Board is designed to support Incident Command System (ICS) operations by providing a structured environment for managing emergency incidents. Users can:

• Track incident progress and duration
• Manage command staff, assignments, and divisions
• Monitor checklist completion
• Document incident activity through logs
• Request resources
• View pre-planning information and mapping data
• Transfer command responsibilities when needed

Many Command Board settings are automatically populated based on Command Setup configurations and dispatch information.

Required Permissions

Users must have the appropriate level of the Incident Commands permission configured in their role:

• Read: View command boards in read-only mode
• Update: Modify command board settings and information
• Create: Initiate new command boards and add custom items
• Delete: Remove command board elements and complete incidents

Video

Step-by-Step Guide

1. Review Incident Information

Select the Information icon to view:

• Dispatch Address (read-only)
• Dispatch Type (read-only)

The Incident Name is automatically created when Incident Command is initiated and may be updated before or during the incident.

2. Review or Change the Incident Template

The selected template is automatically assigned based on the dispatch incident type and Command Setup configuration.

To change templates:

1. Select the Template field.
2. Choose a different template.
3. Review the transfer warning message.
4. Confirm the template change.

When switching templates:

• Matching assignments are retained.
• Matching checklist items are preserved.
• Personnel assignments remain intact.
• Unit placements are maintained.
• Strategy selections remain assigned.
• Resource requests remain assigned.
• Annotations are preserved.
• All actions are recorded in the log.

Unmatched items are automatically created using the new template configuration.

3. Manage Incident Strategy

The Strategy field displays the current incident strategy.

To update the strategy:

1. Select the Strategy field.
2. Choose the appropriate strategy.
3. Save the change.

Strategies can be modified at any time during the incident.

4. Navigate Between Command Boards

Use the Command Board selector to switch between:

• Main Incident Command Board
• Division Command Boards

This allows users to view and manage individual divisions while maintaining overall incident control.

5. Review Command Board Ownership

The Command Board User field displays the user currently controlling the Command Board.

The blue status banner displays:

• Command – User currently has control.
• View Only – User does not have control.

6. Manage Incident Notes

Select Notes to:

• View notes
• Add notes
• Edit notes
• Delete notes

The number displayed beside Notes indicates the total number of notes associated with the incident.

7. Monitor the Incident Timer

The Incident Timer tracks the duration of the Command Board from the time it was created.

This timer does not represent the original dispatch time.

8. Transfer Command

To transfer control:

1. Select Transfer Command.
2. Choose the receiving user.
3. Submit the transfer request.
4. Wait for the recipient to accept.

Once accepted, Command Board control transfers to the selected user.

9. Complete the Incident Command

To close the Command Board:

1. Select Complete.
2. Confirm completion.

Once completed:

• The Command Board becomes read-only.
• No additional edits can be made.
• Historical information remains available for review.

10. Select Incident Frequencies

Use the Frequencies section to select the radio frequency being used for the incident.

Users may only select frequencies configured within the available dropdown list.

11. Manage Checklist Items

Select Checklist to open the Checklist window.

Within the Checklist window, users can:

• View checklist items
• Add custom checklist items
• Edit existing items
• Delete checklist items

Checklist timer behavior:

• Gray = Active timer
• Yellow = Within one minute of threshold
• Red = Threshold reached
• Completed items stop timing but remain red

Checklist items without thresholds continue counting until completed and remain gray.

12. Create Log Entries

Select Add Log to create a new incident log entry without opening the Log section.

13. Manage Resource Requests

Select Resource Requests to:

• View requests
• Edit requests
• Create new requests
• Track request status

14. Send Messages

Select Messaging to communicate with other users within First Due using the Messaging Module.

15. Access Quick Links

Quick Links are configured within Command Setup and provide access to external resources.

Links may open:

• In a new browser window
• In a separate mobile application

16. View Department Roster

If Scheduling is enabled, select View Roster to open the department Shift Board.

17. View Weather Information

Select Weather Report to view weather conditions associated with the dispatch location.

18. Use Mayday Activation

The center section of the Command Board includes the Mayday Activation feature, which enables incident-specific Mayday functionality.

19. Navigate Core Command Board Sections

The Command Board consists of four primary sections:

Board

Displays:

• Command Staff
• Unassigned Units
• Assigned Units
• Incident Assignments

Map

Displays pre-planning and mapping information associated with the incident.

Log

Records all actions and changes made within the Command Board.

Manage Divisions

Allows users to:

• Create divisions
• Manage divisions
• Assign units
• Assign personnel

Best Practices

• Review incident information immediately after creating the Command Board.
• Verify the correct template is selected before beginning operations.
• Use Notes and Logs consistently to document significant events.
• Complete checklist items as tasks are finished.
• Review resource requests frequently to ensure timely response.
• Transfer command promptly when operational leadership changes.
• Utilize division boards for large or complex incidents.
• Verify weather information during rapidly changing conditions.

Troubleshooting & FAQs

Why can I only view the Command Board and not make changes?

The current user does not have command control of the incident. The blue banner will display "View Only" when edit permissions are unavailable.

What happens if I change templates during an incident?

The system attempts to match and transfer assignments, checklist items, personnel, units, annotations, strategies, and resource requests into the new template while preserving data.

Can I change the incident strategy after the incident starts?

Yes. Strategies can be modified at any time during the incident.

Can I edit a completed Command Board?

No. Completed Command Boards become read-only and cannot be modified.

Why doesn't the roster match dispatch staffing?

The View Roster option displays the current shift roster and does not reflect staffing levels at the time of dispatch.

What does the Checklist timer color indicate?

Gray indicates active timing, yellow indicates the threshold is approaching, and red indicates the threshold has been reached.