Purpose Statement

This article explains how to configure and document "No Response" calls using custom Plus One Codes within the Fire Incident Report. This feature allows agencies to maintain internal records of non-response situations and meet documentation standards, even when NFIRS does not require an incident to be recorded.

Background Information

Some agencies prefer to document all calls, including those where no response occurred. While NFIRS does not require incident records for canceled calls prior to response, agencies may still choose to track these for internal audits, analysis, or historical accuracy.

NFIRS Guidance:

• If an incident is canceled before units respond, there is no NFIRS incident to report
• If units respond but are canceled en route, code as 611 – Dispatched & Canceled En-Route

Important for Validation: NFIRS validation rules currently require at least one person assigned to an apparatus. Agencies must have a fictional user (e.g., Test User or No Response Personnel) to meet this requirement. Under NERIS validation, a user will no longer be required.

Required Permissions

Users need administrative access to the Incident Documentation module to configure Plus One Codes. Specific permissions include access to:

• Fire Incident Setup
• Custom Field Management
• Department Fields Management

Contact your system administrator if you cannot access these features.

Video

Step-by-Step Guide

Part 1: Fire Incident Setup – Creating Plus One Codes

Step 1: Navigate to Fire Incident Setup

1. Go to Incident Documentation > Fire Incident Setup > Field Management

Step 2: Open Custom Field Management

1. Select Custom Field Management
2. Target the following fields:
   • Basic Module / Section C / Actual Incident Type Found
   • Basic Module / Section F / Actions Taken
3. If these fields already have custom settings, use the pencil icon to edit them

Step 3: Configure "Incident Type Found" Field

1. Use the dropdown to find
   Basic Module / Section C / Actual Incident Type Found
   
   
   
   
   
   
2. Navigate to the Values tab
3. Click
   Add Custom Option
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   

Step 4: Create Your Plus One Code for Incident Type

1. Enter your custom Plus One Code and Description
2. Click Create
   
   
   
   
   
   
3. From the Actions column:
   • Check the box to activate the code
   • Use the Incident Type Helper icon to define:
     • NFIRS or local definitions
     • Keywords or usage notes

Step 5: Configure "Actions Taken" Field

1. Use the dropdown to find Basic Module / Section F / Actions Taken
   
   
   
   
2. Navigate to the Values tab
3. Click Add Custom Option
   

Step 6: Create Your Plus One Code for Actions Taken

1. Enter your custom Plus One Code and Description
2. Click Create/Update

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Part 2: Documenting No Response Calls in a Report

Step 1: Select the Incident Type Found

1. In the Response > Dispatch tab, locate the Incident Type Found field
2. Begin typing your custom code or scroll to locate it
3. Select the appropriate Plus One Code

Step 2: Select the Actions Taken

1. In the Operations section, under Overall Departmental Actions Taken, use the multi-select dropdown
2. Find and select your custom code
3. Click outside the dropdown to apply selections

Step 3: Set Apparatus Status

1. In Apparatus Details, use the Unit Canceled toggle
2. Choose either:
   • Prior to Dispatch Acknowledgment
   • Prior to En Route
3. If using CAD, times will auto-populate except for the Cancelled time

Best Practices

• Label Clearly: Use descriptive Plus One Code names (e.g., "No Response - Call Logged Only") to avoid confusion
• Maintain Consistency: Use identical descriptions across both Incident Type and Actions Taken fields
• Create Fictional User: Establish a placeholder user (e.g., "Test User") to satisfy current validation requirements
• Regular Audits: Review reports quarterly to ensure Plus One Codes are applied correctly and consistently
• Documentation Standards: Maintain clear internal guidelines on when to use No Response codes versus standard NFIRS codes

Troubleshooting & FAQs

Q: Why doesn't my new code appear in the dropdown? A: Check if the field already has custom settings configured. If so, use the pencil icon in Custom Field Management to update the existing configuration rather than creating a new one.

Q: Can I skip assigning personnel if no one responded? A: Not under current NFIRS validation rules. A user must be attached to satisfy validation requirements. Use a fictional or placeholder user until NERIS validation is implemented, which will remove this requirement.

Q: Are these codes visible in NFIRS exports? A: Custom Plus One Codes may not be recognized in standard NFIRS exports. They are primarily designed for internal documentation and tracking purposes.

Q: What happens if I accidentally use a No Response code on an actual incident? A: Review and correct the incident report immediately. Plus One Codes should only be used for genuine non-response situations to maintain data integrity.