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Knowledge Center

Command: Units

Purpose Statement

  1. The units management system within the command module provides comprehensive control over all emergency response resources assigned to an incident. This feature enables incident commanders to track, organize, and deploy units effectively while maintaining accurate accountability of all personnel and equipment throughout the incident lifecycle, supporting both pre-planned and dynamic resource management needs.

Background Information

  1. Unit management in the command module encompasses all resources tied to an incident, from initially dispatched units to additional alarms and custom-added resources. The system provides flexible unit handling capabilities including creation, editing, duplication, and specialized functions like lead unit designation. Units can be managed in both unassigned status and within tactical assignments, with specific menu options becoming available based on their current deployment status. All unit actions are automatically logged to maintain operational accountability.

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

Additional permissions may be required for specific functions like messaging and roster access based on integrated modules.

Video 


Step by Step Guide

1. Unassigned Units displays all the Units tied to this incident that are not currently assigned. Initially this is populated with only the dispatched Units but will also display any Units dispatched on upgrades or additional alarms. It will also display any Units added by the Command Board User.






2. To add a Unit, Select the Add Unassigned Units button.






3. Users can search for a Unit by scrolling the list to find a specific Unit, or can search for a Unit by entering a name into the search bar. A custom Unit can also be created by typing the name into the search bar. Select Create to create a unit or Add if you selected a Unit from the List






4. A menu is available for each Unit that allows the Command Board User to:

  1. Edit the Unit--Change the name or change to a different Unit
  2. Clear--Removes the Unit from the Command Board (Does not affect the CAD, the incident or NFIRS only the Unit being displayed on the Command Board)
  3. Duplicate--Makes a copy of the Unit. This can be used when splitting crews  between assignments
  4. Add Notes--Enables Command Board User to create and attach a Note to the specific Unit. Note will then appear in the Notes Section tied to that specific Unit.







5. A search bar is also available within the Unassigned Units Area to assist in finding Units. This search only finds the unit within the Unassigned Units area and not within then whole Command Board.






6. When Units are placed into an Assignment an additional Menu item becomes available--Make Lead. This allows the unit to be designated as the Lead of that specific assignment. When selected, a blue banner is displayed across the top of the Unit designating it as the Lead Unit in that assignment. 



Best Practices

Do:

  • Use descriptive names for custom units to avoid confusion
  • Designate lead units for better assignment visibility and coordination
  • Utilize unit duplication for crew splitting scenarios
  • Add specific notes for important unit information and status updates
  • Clear units from command board when they are no longer involved in operations

Don't:

  • Create unnecessary duplicate units without operational justification
  • Clear units from the board if they may be needed later in the incident
  • Use generic names for custom units that could cause identification issues
  • Delete important unit notes during active operations

Tips:

  • Establish department conventions for custom unit naming
  • Use lead unit designation strategically for tactical coordination
  • Leverage unit notes for tracking equipment status and crew information
  • Consider unit duplication when crews split for multiple tactical assignments
  • Coordinate unit additions with dispatch to maintain accurate records

Troubleshooting & FAQs

Q: I added a unit but don't see it on my command board. Where did it go?
A: New units are added to the unassigned units section. Check the unassigned units area on your command board.

Q: What's the difference between clearing a unit and deleting it clearing the unit from the actual dispatch?
 A: Clearing removes the unit from the command board only. The unit remains on the dispatch call and CAD system.

Q: When should I use the duplicate unit function?
A: Use duplication when splitting a crew between two different tactical assignments, allowing separate tracking and management.

Q: Can I make multiple units lead in the same assignment?
A: No, you can only designate one lead unit per assignment. Typically one lead per assignment is most effective and caused the least confusion during communication.

Q: Why can't I see the Make Lead option for a unit?
A: The Make Lead option only appears when a unit is assigned to a tactical assignment, not when it's in unassigned status.

Q: Can I edit a unit's name after it's been assigned to an assignment?
A: Yes, unit editing is available regardless of assignment status through the unit's menu options.

Q: What happens to unit notes when I duplicate a unit?
 A: Duplicated units create separate instances, so notes are specific to each unit copy and must be added individually.