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Mobile Response (Android): Utilizing Unit Tracking

Purpose Statement

The unit tracking feature within the Android mobile responder module allows users to view and monitor the location of emergency response units in real-time on the map interface. This functionality enhances situational awareness by providing visual representation of unit positions, enabling better coordination during emergency responses and daily operations.

Background Information

Unit tracking provides critical operational awareness by displaying the real-time locations of emergency response units on the mobile map interface. This feature supports incident commanders, supervisors, and field personnel in making informed decisions about resource deployment, response coordination, and mutual aid requests. The system can display units from multiple jurisdictions and agencies, with filtering capabilities to focus on specific unit types or departments. Proper utilization of unit tracking improves response efficiency and enhances overall situational awareness during emergency operations.

Required Permissions

  • Admin > Allow mobile app sign in: Allows user to sign into the Mobile App
  • Admin > Allow Offline Sign in: Allows user to sign into the Mobile App while Offline
  • Response > Responder Map - Show Unit Tracking: User can toggle on or off the display of unit tracking on the map

Video

Step-by-Step Guide

 
 
1. In Mobile Responder/App:
 
      -Navigate to Map  > Map Layers & Technology and ensure that "Responder locations" is turned on. You can now find units on the map. 


 
 
2. Selecting the Units Icon in the bottom Menu Bar will display a side menu with a list of Agencies and their associated Units. Each Agency list can be expanded and when a Unit is selected from the list the map will center on the chosen Units location. 
 

 
 
3. If the department has other Jurisdictions that are First Due Clients who have allowed Client Data Sharing of Device Locations, those other jurisdictions will be listed here along with any of their respective Units. If not only the Users Department will be displayed.
 

 
 
4. Units can be searched within the list by using the search bar at the top.
 

 
 
5. The map and list of units can be filtered by Unit Type and by Agency or Jurisdiction.
 
      A - Select "Filter" button.
      B - Select the Unit Type(s) you want displayed.
      C - Select the Agency or Agencies you want displayed.
      D - Select "Apply" to display your filtered units and filtered list.
      E - Select "Reset" to display all Unit Types and all Agencies
 

 
6. The List can also be sorted in Ascending or Descending order
 

 

7. When a Unit from the list is selected the map will center on the Units last known location. 
 

 
8. When the Unit is Selected on the Map, a Side menu with information about the Unit and the Device will be displayed including but not limited to: 
  1. Unit Name
  2. Unit Type (Ambulance, Engine, etc.)
  3. Last position update time
  4. OS Version 
  5. App Version
  6. If Location Permissions have been authorized
  7. Whether the Device Screen is Locked or Unlocked
  8. Devices Battery Level

 

 
9. If Unit being tracked is moving the screen will follow the Unit as it moves through the map.

 

 
10. If the Unit Icon is dim, it signifies that First Due has been logged out of that device for that Unit.
 

Best Practices

Do's

  • Enable responder location layer before beginning operations that require unit tracking
  • Use filtering to focus on relevant units during specific incidents or operations
  • Regularly check unit positions during extended operations or mutual aid responses
  • Coordinate with dispatch to understand unit status updates and location accuracy
  • Use search functionality to quickly locate specific units during emergencies
  • Reset filters when switching between different operational contexts

Don'ts

  • Don't rely solely on unit tracking for critical operational decisions without radio confirmation
  • Don't assume all units are actively transmitting location data at all times
  • Don't use unit tracking as the sole method for accountability during emergency operations
  • Don't forget to reset filters that might hide relevant units in changing situations
  • Don't overlook the need to coordinate unit tracking with existing accountability systems

Tips & Recommendations

  • Familiarize yourself with your jurisdiction's unit identifiers and types
  • Practice using filtering options during training exercises
  • Understand which agencies and jurisdictions are available in your account
  • Use unit tracking in conjunction with radio communications for comprehensive situational awareness
  • Consider unit tracking data when making deployment and resource allocation decisions
  • Regularly verify that location services are functioning properly on unit devices

Troubleshooting & FAQs

Q. I don't see any units on the map even though responder location is enabled. What's wrong?
A. Check that units in your area are actively transmitting location data and have location services enabled. Also verify your account has permissions to view unit locations for your jurisdiction.

Q. The search function isn't finding units I know are available. What should I check?
A. Ensure you're using correct unit identifiers and that filters aren't excluding the units you're searching for. Try resetting all filters and searching again.

Q. Can I see units from other jurisdictions or mutual aid partners?
A. Unit visibility depends on your account configuration and data sharing agreements. Contact your administrator if you need access to additional jurisdictional data.

Q. The unit locations seem outdated or inaccurate. How can I fix this?
A. Location accuracy depends on individual unit devices and their GPS/location services. Coordinate with dispatch or the affected units to verify their location services are functioning properly.

Q. How often do unit locations update on the map?
A. Update frequency depends on system configuration and device settings. Contact your system administrator for specific update interval information.

Q. Can I track units that are responding to incidents outside my jurisdiction?
A. Tracking capabilities depend on data sharing agreements and account permissions. Check with your administrator about multi-jurisdictional tracking capabilities.

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