Purpose
This article demonstrates how to use the Field Customization tab in EMS Setup to configure ePCR fields according to agency requirements. Field Customization allows agencies to modify the appearance and behavior of dropdown fields while maintaining NEMSIS compliance.
Background Information
Field Customization provides agencies with control over how ePCR fields appear and function for end users. This feature is essential for aligning the documentation interface with local protocols, terminology, and operational priorities—without altering core data structure or compliance rules.
Common Use Cases
- Reordering dropdown lists to prioritize frequently used values
- Disabling unused or outdated field values
- Relabeling fields or dropdown values to match agency-specific terminology
- Renaming the Field Label itself for clarity
Important Distinction
- Field Customization controls user interface behavior and appearance
- To set default values or enforce required fields beyond validations, use Workflows
Required Permissions
- Administrative access to EMS Setup
Video
Step-by-Step Guide
1. Navigate to Field Customization
- Navigate to EMS Setup
- Click Field Customization
2. Add or Edit a Customized Field
- Click Add to customize a new field
- If a field already has customization applied:
- Click the Pencil icon in the corresponding row to edit

3. Locate the Desired Field
- Use the Dropdown list
- Use the Search bar to find the desired ePCR report field

4. Manage Dropdown Values
- Click Values to edit dropdown list options

5. Reorder Dropdown List Items
- Use the Drag & Drop column to rearrange the order values appear in the ePCR

6. Enable or Disable Dropdown Choices
Toggle the Check Mark on or off to enable or disable individual list values

7. Edit Display Descriptions
Type directly into the Display Description box to rename dropdown list values

8. Sync Primary and Secondary Fields (When Applicable)
- When managing:
- Primary Provider Impressions, or
- Primary Symptoms
- Enable the Sync Secondary Field toggle to automatically sync display descriptions to:
- Secondary Provider Impression, or
- Other Associated Symptoms

9. Understand Sync Restrictions
- If Sync Secondary Field is enabled:
- Values in the corresponding secondary field cannot be edited independently

10. Update the Field Label
Type a new name into the Label box to rename the field as it appears in the ePCR
11. Set Field as Read-Only
- Toggle Read Only on to prevent users from editing the field
12. Convert Dropdown to Button Selection
- Toggle Button View on to display dropdown options as clickable buttons instead of a list
13. Save Field Customization
- Click Save to apply changes
Best Practices
- Review changes with clinical leadership before implementation
- Use clear, consistent terminology familiar to field staff
- Test changes in a non-production environment when possible
- Do not disable values required for reporting compliance
- Avoid excessive customization that may confuse users
- Prioritize frequently used values at the top of dropdown lists
- Use Button View for fields with limited, high-frequency choices
- Document customization decisions for future administrators
Troubleshooting & FAQs
- Confirm changes were saved
- Refresh the ePCR or log out and back in
- Verify whether Sync Secondary Field is enabled
- Check if the value was disabled in Field Customization
- Confirm no workflows override the behavior