Purpose Statement

Command Setup Templates allow departments to create customized incident command boards based on specific incident types. These templates function similarly to tactical worksheets, providing predefined command staff positions, assignments, divisions, resource requests, checklists, radio frequencies, and pre-planned units.

Templates can also be associated with dispatch incident types, allowing the appropriate template to be recommended by default when an incident is initiated.

By configuring Command Setup Templates in advance, departments can streamline incident command operations, improve consistency, and reduce the amount of manual setup required during an active incident.

Background Information

Command Setup Templates are located within the Response > Command Setup section of First Due.

Before creating a template, departments should configure the following components within Command Setup:

These components serve as the building blocks for Command Setup Templates and can be selected when configuring an incident-specific command board.

Departments can create multiple templates to accommodate different incident types and operational requirements.

Important: Configuring these components before building a template ensures the necessary options are available for selection.

Required Permissions

Users must have the appropriate level of the Incident Commands Templates permission configured within their assigned role to access and manage Command Setup Templates.

The available permission levels include:

Important: Users must be assigned the appropriate permission levels based on the actions they need to perform. Contact your department's First Due administrator if you are unable to access or manage Command Setup Templates.

Video

Step-by-Step Guide

Step 1: Navigate to Command Setup

1. Click the First Due logo in the upper-left corner of the screen.
2. Select Response from the navigation menu.
3. Click Command Setup.
4. Select Templates to open the Command Setup Templates list.

Step 2: Navigate and Filter the Command Setup Templates List

The Templates list allows users to locate, organize, and manage existing command templates.

1. Use the available search fields to filter templates by:
   • Template Name
   • Dispatch Type
   • Updated By
   • Date
2. Click Apply to display matching results.
3. Use the pagination options at the bottom of the screen to adjust the number of templates displayed. Select the appropriate number of records per page based on your needs.
4. To export the template list, use the available CSV download option.

Important: Displaying a large number of templates simultaneously may affect how quickly the list loads.

Step 3: Manage the Command Setup Templates List

Within the template table, you can:

1. Rearrange Columns: Change the order in which columns appear.
2. Adjust Column Widths: Expand or reduce column widths to customize the display.
3. Sort Columns: Organize the list in ascending or descending order.
4. Edit Templates: Click the Edit (pencil) icon in the Actions column to modify an existing template.
5. Archive Templates: Use the Archive option in the Actions column to archive an existing template.
6. Clone Templates: Use the Clone option in the Actions column to duplicate an existing template.

Step 4: Create a New Command Template

1. From the Templates list, click Command Template to begin creating a template.
2. Enter a descriptive Template Name.
3. Select the Dispatch Incident Types that should be associated with the template.
   • Click the dropdown menu.
   • Select the appropriate incident types configured within your system.
   • Multiple incident types may be associated with a template.
4. Select the Map Style:
   • Satellite
   • Map
5. Configure the required PAR Time.
6. Use the available toggle to determine whether the PAR notification should sound.
7. Select the Overall Strategy most appropriate for the incident type.

Note: Template Name, Map Style, and PAR Time are required fields.

Step 5: Add Divisions to the Template

1. Click Add Division in the upper-right corner of the template.
2. In the window that appears, select the divisions appropriate for the incident type.
3. Click Add to include the selected divisions.
4. To customize a division name, select the existing name and enter the desired text.
5. Select a default Radio Frequency for each division, if applicable.
6. Click Save to save the initial template configuration.

Note: Radio frequencies configured within a template serve as defaults. Users can select different frequencies while working on an active incident command board.

Step 6: Reorder Board Views (Optional)

1. After saving you be returned to the Templates list.
2. Locate the template you created.
3. Click the Edit (pencil) icon in the Actions column.
4. Locate the Reorder Board Views section.
5. Click and hold the six-dot drag handle next to a board view.
6. Drag the view into the desired position.
7. Repeat as needed to establish the preferred display order.

Note: The order configured here determines how the views are displayed on the incident command board.

Step 7: Configure Command Staff Positions

1. Locate the Resources section of the template.
2. Under Command Staff, click Add.
3. In the Add Command Staff window, open the dropdown menu.
4. Select the command staff positions appropriate for the incident type.
5. Click Add to include the selected positions.
6. Use the drag handles to rearrange the command staff positions.
7. To remove a position, click the Trash Can icon.

Note: Configured command staff positions will appear on the left side of the active incident command board.

Step 8: Add Resource Requests

1. Locate the Resource Requests section.
2. Click Add.
3. Select the resource request options appropriate for the incident type.
4. Click Add to include the selected resources.
5. Use the drag handles to arrange resource requests in the preferred order.

Note: The order of resource requests within the template determines their display order in the Resource Request dropdown on the active command board.

Step 9: Select Radio Frequency

1. Locate the Radio Frequency dropdown within the template.
2. Click the Dropdown menu to display the available radio frequencies.
3. Select the Default Radio Frequency you would like associated with the command template.

Note: The selected radio frequency will serve as the default on the incident command board. Users can change the frequency as needed during an active incident.

Step 10: Add Checklists

1. Locate the Checklist Type section.
2. Click Add.
3. Select the checklists appropriate for the incident type.
4. Click the Right Arrow to transfer the selected checklists and their associated items into the template Use the dropdown menu to select:
   1. Individual unit tiles.
   2. An entire section of units.
5. Click Save.
6. Use the drag handles to arrange the checklist types in the desired order.
7. To remove a checklist, click the Trash Can icon.

Note: Multiple checklists can be added to a template to support incident-specific operational needs.

Step 11: Configure Pre-Planned Units

1. Locate the Pre-Planned Units section.
2. Open the pre-planned unit selection interface.
3. Select the appropriate unit category from the left column.
4. Use the dropdown menu to select:
   • Individual unit tiles.
   • An entire section of units.
5. Transfer the selected units into the template.
6. Continue selecting units until the desired configuration is complete.
7. Click Save.
8. Confirm the selected units appear in the Pre-Planned Units section.

Important:

• A maximum of 25 pre-planned units can be added to a template.
• Pre-planned units cannot be manually reordered after being added.
• Units can be removed using the Trash Can icon.

Step 12: Configure the Default Board View

1. Locate the Board Views section.
2. Find the Default View selection field.
3. Click the dropdown menu.
4. Select the view that should open automatically when users access the incident command board.
5. Confirm the selected view is appropriate for the incident type.

Note: The selected default view determines which board view users initially see when entering the command board.

Step 13: Configure the Floors View

1. Locate the Floors View section.
2. Use the visibility toggle to enable or disable the Floors View on the command board.
3. When enabled, click Add Floor.
4. Enter the desired floor name.
5. Click Save to add the floor.
6. Use the drag handles to rearrange floors in the desired order.
7. Use the available edit and delete controls to manage additional floors.

Important: The primary Ground View cannot be deleted, but its name can be edited.

Step 14: Configure the Assignments View

1. Locate the Assignments View section.
2. Use the visibility toggle to determine whether the view should appear on the command board.
3. Click Add Assignments.
4. In the window that appears, open the dropdown menu.
5. Select the assignments appropriate for the incident type.
6. Click Add.
7. Use the drag handles to arrange assignments in the preferred display order.

Step 15: Configure the Custom View

1. Locate the Custom View section.
2. Review the current visibility settings.
3. Click Add Columns to configure the custom layout.
4. Select the desired custom view options.
5. Review the configured layout to ensure it meets the department's operational needs.

Important: If Custom View is selected as the default board view, it cannot be disabled. To disable Custom View, first select a different default board view.

Step 16: Configure the Geographic Map View

1. Locate the Geographic Map View section.
2. Use the visibility toggle to enable or disable the view.
3. When enabled, configure the desired geographic corners.
4. Add or make visible the appropriate corner designations, such as:
   • Alpha Bravo
   • Bravo Charlie
   • Charlie Delta
5. Use the available editing controls to rename geographic views as needed.
6. Delete any additional geographic views that are no longer required.

Step 17: Save the Completed Command Template

1. Review the configured template to ensure all necessary components have been included.
2. Scroll to the top of the template page.
3. Click Save.
4. Return to the Templates list to locate the saved template.

Note: Once configured, the template can be associated with the selected dispatch incident types and recommended when an applicable incident is initiated.

Best Practices

Configure Command Setup Components First

Before building a template, ensure that strategies, command staff positions, checklists, assignments, divisions, resource requests, and radio frequencies have been configured.

Use Descriptive Template Names

Choose names that clearly identify the incident type or operational purpose of the template. This makes it easier for users to locate and select the appropriate template.

Associate Templates with Appropriate Dispatch Types

Assign relevant dispatch incident types to help ensure the correct command template is recommended when an incident is initiated.

Establish Appropriate PAR Settings

Configure PAR times and audible notifications based on departmental operational procedures.

Prioritize Commonly Used Resources

Arrange command staff positions, resource requests, checklists, and board views so frequently used items are easy to locate during an incident.

Limit Pre-Planned Units to Operational Needs

Select only the units likely to be needed for the incident type, keeping the 25-unit maximum in mind.

Configure Appropriate Default Radio Frequencies

Select radio frequencies that align with expected operations while remembering that frequencies can be adjusted during an active incident.

Review Board Visibility Settings

Ensure required views are enabled and the most useful view is selected as the default.

Avoid Unnecessary Template Complexity

Keep templates focused on the incident type. Excessive assignments, resource requests, or checklists may make command boards more difficult to navigate.

Troubleshooting & FAQs

Why can't I find an option when configuring my template?

Verify that the required component has already been configured within Command Setup. Strategies, command staff positions, checklists, assignments, resource requests, divisions, and radio frequencies should be established before creating templates.

Why can't I access or modify Command Setup Templates?

Verify that your assigned role has the appropriate Incident Commands Templates permission. Contact your department's First Due administrator to review your permission levels.

What is the difference between Read, Update, Create, and Delete permissions?

Read allows users to view command boards in read-only mode. Update allows modification of command board settings and information. Create allows users to initiate new command boards and add custom items. Delete allows users to remove command board elements and complete incidents.

Why can't I save my new template?

Confirm that the required fields have been completed, including Template Name, Map Style, and PAR Time. If the issue continues, additional troubleshooting may be required.

Can I associate a command template with multiple dispatch incident types?

Yes. Multiple dispatch incident types can be selected when configuring the template.

Can I change radio frequencies during an active incident?

Yes. Frequencies selected within a template serve as defaults and can be changed on the active incident command board.

How many pre-planned units can I add to a template?

A maximum of 25 pre-planned units can be configured within a template.

Can I rearrange pre-planned units after adding them?

No. Pre-planned units cannot be manually reordered within the template. However, individual units can be removed.

Why can't I delete the primary Ground View?

The primary Ground View cannot be deleted. However, its name can be edited.

Why can't I disable Custom View?

If Custom View is configured as the default board view, it cannot be disabled. Select a different default board view before attempting to disable Custom View.

Can I change the order of command staff, resource requests, and checklists?

Yes. These components support reordering using drag handles within their respective sections.

Can I duplicate an existing command template?

Yes. The Templates list includes a Clone action that allows an existing template to be duplicated.

Can I export a list of command templates?

Yes. The Templates list provides an option to download the list as a CSV file.

Why is the Templates list loading slowly?

Displaying a large number of templates at once may slow the loading process. Reduce the number of records displayed per page.