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Completing an ePCR - Create and Document without Internet Connection

Purpose Statement

  1. To explain how users can create, document, and sync an ePCR when an internet connection is unavailable. This capability supports continuous EMS documentation in remote areas or during connectivity interruptions, ensuring no data is lost and improving documentation flexibility.

Background Information

  1. First Due understands that EMS personnel frequently operate in environments where internet access is unreliable or unavailable. To support uninterrupted patient care documentation, users can initiate or continue an ePCR offline. Offline data is stored locally and will sync automatically once the internet connection is restored.
    This feature is especially useful for rural responses, incidents occurring inside buildings with poor signal, or during network outages.

Video


 

Step-by-Step Guide

Step 1. Open the EMS Incident List (Requires Internet)
  1. Navigate to Incident Documentation EMS Incident List.
  2. You must be online to load this list initially.
Navigate to Incident Documentation and select EMS Incident List
Step 2. Check Connection Status Indicator
  1. In the EMS Incident List, observe the connection status icon in the upper right.
  2. If Online, you can:
    1. Create a new ePCR (select Add New).
    2. Edit existing reports from the Actions column.
From the EMS Incident list an indicator in the upper right will display if connection is Online.
Step 3. Start a New ePCR While Offline
  1. If the status shows Offline, you can still create a new ePCR by selecting Add New.
     

 

 
Step 4. Offline Notification Within Report
  1. If connection is lost while documenting, a notification bar will alert you that you are now offline.
  2. While offline:
    1. CAD Download and integration imports (e.g., Monitor, Handtevy, Pulsara) are disabled.
Step 5. Save an ePCR While Offline
  1. A confirmation message will indicate that the report was saved locally on the device.
     

 
Step 6. Regaining Connection During Documentation
  1. If internet is restored during the session, an Online Status Modal appears.
  2. At this point, all integration tools (CAD Download, Monitor, etc.) become available again.
     

 
Step 7. Monitor Sync Status from EMS Incident List
  1. Each report in the EMS Incident List shows a Sync Status Icon that communicates its current state.
     
8. Sync Status Icons Explained:
 
- Report is only available online (not cached for offline use).

 
  - Report is cached on the device and can be accessed offline.
 
- Report is cached and contains unsynced offline changes. Once saved online, those updates will automatically sync with the server.
Last sync:
Indicates the date of the last time the offline data was synchronized with the server.

 

Best Practices

  1. Before losing signal, open any reports you plan to access to cache them for offline use.
  2. Complete and save reports offline only if needed—sync them as soon as a connection is available.
  3. Do not rely on integrations when offline—enter critical patient data manually if needed.
  4. Verify sync status after connection is restored to ensure all reports are successfully updated.

Troubleshooting & FAQs

Q: Why can't I access a previously started report offline?
A: The report may not have been cached to the device. You must open and save the report at least once while online to make it available offline.
Q: What happens if I document offline but never reconnect?
A: The report will remain on the device but won’t sync with First Due servers. Reconnecting is required to ensure data is stored and visible to other users/admins.
Q: Can I use CAD import or Monitor integration while offline?
A: No, all import tools are disabled when offline.
Q: How can I tell if my offline changes synced successfully?
A: Once connected, open the report and click Save. If the sync status updates to "Synced" and the icon changes, your data is successfully uploaded.