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Responder: Dispatch Units

Purpose Statement

Dispatch units within the Responder module represent the operational units that can be alerted and dispatched to emergency incidents. This feature allows administrators to create, configure, and manage dispatch units with specific codes, names, station associations, and user limitations to ensure proper unit deployment and CAD system integration.
 

Background Information

Dispatch units are fundamental components of the emergency response system, representing the actual apparatus, vehicles, or specialized teams that respond to incidents. These units must be properly configured to integrate with Computer-Aided Dispatch (CAD) systems and ensure accurate unit tracking and deployment. Each dispatch unit can be associated with specific fire stations, limited to certain users for alerting purposes, and linked to CAD codes for seamless integration. Proper dispatch unit management ensures that the right resources are available for deployment and that alerting systems function correctly.

Required Permissions

These permissions are located in the Others- Others Section of Permissions:
 
  1. Dispatch Units Read--Allows user access to the Dispatch units section in a read only status.
  2. Dispatch Units Update--Allows user to update Dispatch Units.
  3. Dispatch Units Create--Allows user to create Dispatch Units.
  4. Dispatch Units Delete--Allows user to delete Dispatch Units.

Video

Step-by-Step Guide
 

1. Navigate to Response module then select Dispatch Units.
 

 
2. Use the advance search fields to locate certain Units.
 

3. Select this icon to download a CSV file of all displayed Dispatch Units.
 
Select this icon to download a CSV file of all displayed Dispatch Units.
 
4. Choose how many Units to appear on the page.
 
Choose how many Units to appear on the page.
 
5. Columns can be sorted in ascending / descending order by clicking on the column header.
 

 
6. To create a new Dispatch Unit Select New Dispatch Unit.
 

7. Fill in all required fields.
 
  1. Department    (Most departments only have one choice here.)
  2. Code                (This is also the code that is associated with CAD Dispatch.)
  3. Name               (This is the name displayed to all users.)
  4. Description      (This field is not required but can be used for any additional information.)
     
8. Select what Fire Station to associate the new unit to.
 
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Important Note

Multiple Stations can be selected by holding the Control Key and then Left clicking multiple stations.

 

9. Checking the box will make the new unit active for dispatches.
 

 
10. Selecting Limit Users allows you to limit the alerting of this Unit to specific users, shifts, units, stations or ranks.  The default is "All System Users".
 
 

 
11. After selecting a Search Group, select the users or groups of users, select the "+" icon and the names of the users allowed to select the alerts populate under Selected Users.  Be sure to select Save.
 

 
12. Click on Create.
 

 
13. From the Actions column clicking on pencil icon to edit the unit or clicking the trash can icon to delete the unit.
 
From the Actions column clicking on pencil icon to edit the unit or clicking the trash can icon to delete the unit.
 
14. After selecting the pencil icon update any information then select Save.
 

 
15. After selecting the trash can icon an indication will appear to confirm to delete the unit.
 

Best Practices

Do's

  • Use consistent naming conventions for unit codes and names
  • Coordinate unit codes with your CAD system administrators
  • Regularly review and update station associations as needed
  • Test new dispatch units with your CAD integration before full deployment
  • Export dispatch unit lists regularly for backup and documentation
  • Limit user access appropriately to maintain operational security

Don'ts

  • Don't create duplicate unit codes that could cause CAD integration issues
  • Don't delete active dispatch units without ensuring no operational impact
  • Don't use vague or unclear unit names that could confuse dispatchers
  • Don't forget to activate units after creation if they should be immediately available
  • Don't overlook station associations which are crucial for proper deployment
  • Don't delete units without confirming they're no longer needed

Tips & Recommendations

  • Coordinate with dispatch center staff when creating or modifying units
  • Use unit codes that align with your department's radio call signs
  • Consider creating separate units for different operational configurations of the same apparatus
  • Document unit purposes and capabilities in the description field
  • Regularly audit user limitations to ensure they remain appropriate
  • Plan unit creation during scheduled maintenance windows to avoid operational disruption

Troubleshooting & FAQs

Q: Why isn't my new dispatch unit appearing in CAD integration? 
A: Ensure the unit code matches exactly what's configured in your CAD system. Contact your CAD administrator to verify integration settings.

Q: Can I change a dispatch unit code after it's been created? 
A: Yes, but coordinate with your CAD system administrator as this may affect integration and historical data.

Q: What happens if I delete a dispatch unit that has response history? 
A: The unit and its response history will be permanently removed and cannot be recovered. Consider deactivating instead of deleting.

Q: Why can't some users see a dispatch unit for alerting? 
A: Check if the unit has user limitations enabled. Only users on the authorized list can alert limited units.

Q: Can a dispatch unit be associated with multiple stations? 
A: Yes, use the Control key while selecting to choose multiple stations. This is useful for units that operate from various locations.

Q: How do I reactivate a deactivated dispatch unit? 
A: Edit the unit and change the "Active" status back to active. The unit will become available for dispatch again.