Purpose Statement
This article explains how to download the First Due Mobile Response App on an Android device and complete the initial login process. It also outlines the device permissions that may be requested to support notifications, unit tracking, and response operations.
Background Information
The First Due Mobile Response App provides Fire and EMS personnel with access to incident data, pre-plans, alerts, and unit tracking from their Android devices.
During initial setup and use, Android may prompt users to grant permissions required for specific app functionality, such as location tracking and notifications. The permissions displayed and their wording may vary depending on the Android version and device manufacturer.
Departments may use either the standard First Due Mobile app or the FedRAMP-compliant version, depending on their organization type and security requirements.
Prerequisites:
- An Android device
- Access to the Google Play Store
- An active Google account
- Internet connectivity
- User login credentials provided by a First Due program administrator
Required Permissions
- Admin > Allow mobile app sign in: Allows the user to sign in to the Mobile App.
- Admin > Allow Offline Sign in: Allows the user to sign in to the Mobile App while offline.
Video
Step-by-Step Guide
Step 1: Open the Google Play Store
- Navigate to the Google Play Store on the Android device.
- Select the Search bar.
- Search for First Due.
Step 2: Select the Correct App Version
Warning:
Ensure you install the correct version based on your department's security requirements.
- Standard Fire Department Users:
- Select First Due Mobile.
- Government E9 or FedRAMP Clients:
- Select First Due Mobile – FedRAMP.
Step 3: Install and Open the App
- Select Install from the Google Play Store.
- After installation is complete, select Open.
- The app can also be opened from the device's Home screen or App drawer.
Step 4: Log In to First Due
- Enter your username and password. Login credentials are unique and provided by your program administrator.
- Choose the First Due environment your department is utilizing:
- United States
- Canada
Step 5: Allow Required Permissions
During initial setup and use, Android may request permissions needed for First Due Mobile functionality.
The exact prompts, permission names, and available options may differ depending on the device manufacturer and Android version.
Location
- Allow location access when prompted.
- Location access is required for unit tracking functionality.
- Select the appropriate location permission option based on your department's operational requirements and the options presented by your Android device.
Notifications
- Allow First Due to send notifications when prompted.
- Notifications enable First Due alerts and other operational notifications.
- Notification settings can be reviewed or adjusted later within the Android device settings.
Additional Permissions
- Depending on the Android version, device configuration, and First Due features being used, additional permission prompts may appear.
- Review each prompt and allow permissions required for the First Due functionality used by your department.
Best Practices
Do's
- Do verify that you are downloading the correct app version for your organization: standard or FedRAMP.
- Do review and allow permissions required for your department's First Due workflows.
- Do confirm that notifications are enabled for operational alerts.
- Do confirm that location permissions are configured correctly when using unit tracking.
- Do keep the First Due Mobile app and Android operating system updated.
Don'ts
- Don't deny location access if your department requires unit tracking.
- Don't share First Due login credentials with other users.
- Don't ignore permission prompts required for operational functionality.
- Don't install the standard application if your organization requires the FedRAMP version.
Tips & Recommendations
- Android permissions can typically be reviewed by navigating to Settings > Apps > First Due > Permissions. Navigation and terminology may vary by device manufacturer and Android version.
- Notification settings can typically be reviewed under the application's settings within Android.
- Departments should include app installation, login, and permission guidance in onboarding and training materials.
- If expected permission prompts do not appear, review the app's permissions within the Android device settings.
Troubleshooting & FAQs
Q. I don't see a permission prompt. Why?
A. Android permission prompts may only appear when a feature requiring that permission is first used. The permission may also have been previously allowed or denied. Review the First Due app permissions within the device's Android settings.
Q. I denied a permission. How do I enable it?
A. Navigate to the First Due application's settings on the Android device and review Permissions. The exact navigation path may vary by Android version and device manufacturer.
Q. I downloaded the wrong First Due app version. What should I do?
A. Uninstall the incorrect application and install the appropriate version from the Google Play Store based on your department's requirements.
Q. I'm not receiving First Due notifications. What should I check?
A. Confirm that notifications are enabled for First Due within the Android device settings. Also review any device-specific notification, battery optimization, or background activity settings that may affect notification delivery.
Q. Unit tracking isn't working. What should I check?
A. Confirm that the required location permissions are enabled for First Due. Android versions and device manufacturers may provide different location and background activity options, so verify that the application's settings meet your department's requirements.
Q. Who provides my login credentials?
A. Login credentials are issued by your department's First Due program administrator.