Purpose
This article explains how to create, configure, and manage Command Setup Checklists in First Due. These checklists allow departments to organize incident command tasks, establish completion thresholds, and standardize operational benchmarks displayed on the Incident Command Board.
By configuring checklists, departments can improve incident accountability, maintain consistent command procedures, and help incident commanders track critical tasks throughout an incident.
Background Information
Command Setup Checklists are used to organize tasks and operational benchmarks that appear on the Incident Command Board.
Each checklist contains individual checklist items that can be organized and managed to support departmental incident command procedures.
Within Command Setup, users can:
Create new checklists.
Add individual checklist items.
Bulk add multiple checklist items.
Create sub-items within existing checklists.
Set completion thresholds for checklist items.
Rearrange the display order of checklists and items.
Edit, clone, or archive existing checklists and checklist items.
View active and archived checklists.
Filter checklists to locate specific records.
Understanding Thresholds
A threshold represents the amount of time within which a checklist item should be completed during an incident. Thresholds help departments establish expectations for completing critical incident command tasks.
Required Permissions
Users must have appropriate access to Response → Command Setup to configure and manage checklists.
The specific First Due permission names and required access levels have not been confirmed from the provided training transcript.
Administrators should verify the applicable Command Setup permissions in their organization's First Due role and permission settings before assigning access.
Video
Step-by-Step Guide
Step 1: Navigate to Command Setup Checklists
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 Checklist to open the checklist configuration page.
Step 2: Review the Checklist Configuration Page
At the top of the Checklist page, several options are available:
Add Checklist: Create a new checklist.
Add Item: Add an individual item to an existing checklist.
Bulk Add: Add multiple checklist items at once.
Active/Archived: View active or archived checklists.
Filter: Narrow the displayed checklist records.
Existing checklists and their associated items are displayed below these options.
Step 3: View and Organize Existing Checklists
1. Locate the checklist you want to review.
2. Click the right-facing arrow beside the checklist to expand it and display the associated checklist items.
3. Review the items contained within the checklist.
4. To rearrange the display order, locate the button pack on the left side of the applicable row.
5. Click and drag the pack to reposition the item.
The configured order determines how the items appear on the Incident Command Board.
Step 4: Add a New Checklist
4A: Create a New Checklist
1. Click Add Checklist at the top of the page.
2. Enter the desired Checklist Name.
3. Click Add Checklist to create the checklist.
Part B: Add Checklist Items
4. A new window will appear, allowing you to add checklist items directly to the newly created checklist.
5. Enter the checklist items you want to include.
6. Once all items have been entered, click Preview for Import.
Part C: Import and Verify Checklist Items
7. Review the preview results. First Due checks for existing checklist items that match the records being added.
8. If the preview is correct, click Import Records to complete the process.
Step 5: Add an Individual Checklist Item
1. Click Add Item at the top of the Checklist page.
2. Enter the Item Name.
3. Select the appropriate Type, identifying the checklist where the item should be located.
4. Enter the Threshold for the item.
The threshold represents the amount of time in which the task should be completed during an incident.
5. Click Add Item.
Step 6: Add a Checklist Sub-Item
1. Locate the checklist where you want to add a sub-item.
2. Click the right-facing arrow to expand the checklist.
3. Select Add Sub Item.
4. Enter the Item Name.
5. Verify that the Item Location is correct.
6. Enter the desired Threshold.
7. Complete the add-sub-item process using the available controls.
Step 7: Bulk Add Checklist Items
1. Click Bulk Add at the top of the Checklist page.
2. Select the checklist where the new items should be added.
3. Enter the checklist items you want to add.
4. Click Preview for Import.
5. Review the preview results to identify any existing matching checklist items.
6. Complete the import process to add the records.
Step 8: Edit, Clone, or Archive Checklists and Items
1. Locate the checklist or checklist item you want to manage.
2. Navigate to the Action column on the right side of the list.
3. Select the appropriate action:
Edit: Modify an existing checklist or checklist item.
Clone: Create a copy of an existing checklist or checklist item.
Archive: Move a checklist or checklist item out of the active list.
4. Follow the prompts associated with the selected action.
5. To review archived checklists, select the Archived view at the top of the page.
Best Practices
- Use consistent naming conventions. Give checklists and items clear, descriptive names so incident commanders can quickly identify their purpose.
- Organize items logically. Arrange checklist items in the order that best supports incident command operations.
- Establish appropriate thresholds. Set completion thresholds based on departmental procedures and operational expectations.
- Review items before importing. Use the preview process to identify potential duplicates before adding new checklist items.
- Use bulk add for multiple items. When creating several checklist items, use Bulk Add to reduce repetitive data entry.
- Review checklist configurations regularly. Confirm that active checklists reflect current departmental operating procedures.
- Archive outdated checklists. Use the archive function for checklists that are no longer needed rather than leaving unnecessary items in the active list.
- Verify the Incident Command Board. After configuring checklists, review their appearance on the command board to ensure they are organized as intended.
Troubleshooting & FAQs
Why can't I access Command Setup Checklists?
Your assigned role may not have the necessary permissions. Contact your First Due administrator to verify your access to Response and Command Setup.
Why don't I see a checklist I previously created?
Check whether you are viewing Active or Archived checklists. You can also review the applied filters to determine whether the checklist is being hidden from the current view.
How do I change the order of checklist items?
Use the drag handle on the left side of the applicable row to rearrange the display order.
What is a checklist threshold?
A threshold is the amount of time in which a checklist item is expected to be completed during an incident.
Can I add multiple checklist items at the same time?
Yes. Select Bulk Add, choose the destination checklist, enter the items, and complete the preview and import process.
Can I add checklist items while creating a new checklist?
Yes. After creating a checklist, an additional window allows you to add checklist items directly to it.
What happens during Preview for Import?
First Due checks the submitted records for existing matching checklist items before they are imported. Review the results before completing the import.
Can I duplicate an existing checklist?
Yes. The Clone option is available in the Action column for checklists and checklist items.
Where do configured checklists appear during an incident?
Configured checklists appear on the Incident Command Board, where they support incident command task tracking.
Can I view archived checklists?
Yes. Select the Archived view on the Checklist configuration page.