Purpose Statement

The Unit Update feature allows agencies to efficiently update the dispatch ID, physical location, operational status, and apparatus group assignment for a unit without transferring equipment, inventory, or other apparatus-specific data. This streamlined process is designed for agencies that use generic unit names across their fleet or need to reassign apparatus to different stations while maintaining separation between the physical unit and its assigned resources.

Background Information

Unit Updates provide flexibility for departments that manage apparatus assignments dynamically. Unlike a full Apparatus Swap (which transfers equipment, inventory, and other associated data), a Unit Update changes only the dispatch identifier, physical location, operational status (in-service, out-of-service, or reserve/primary), and optionally the apparatus group for the unit coming into service. This is particularly valuable for agencies that:

• Use standardized, generic names for units regardless of which specific apparatus is in service (e.g., "Engine 1" always refers to whichever engine is assigned to Station 1)
• Need to move apparatus between stations without relocating all equipment and inventory
• Want to update unit status and location while keeping resources assigned to the original apparatus
• Maintain clean separation between apparatus identity and operational assignments

Prerequisites:

• User must have "Perform an apparatus swap" permission enabled
• Understanding of your agency's unit naming conventions and apparatus groups
• Knowledge of which apparatus are available for reassignment
• Awareness of current apparatus locations and operational status

Required Permissions

To complete a Unit Update, users must have the following permission enabled under the Apparatus section:

• Perform an apparatus swap - Set to "Allow"

Additional Related Permissions:

• View all apparatus swaps - Allows users to view swap history
• Reverse an active swap - Enables users to undo swaps if needed
• Close an active swap - Permits closing swap records
• Update swap list - Allows modification of available swap configurations

Video

Step-by-Step Guide

Accessing Unit Update

• Select the First Due (FD) icon in the upper left
• Navigate to Assets > Apparatus Overview
• Locate and select Unit Updates
• The Unit Update interface will open

Completing the Unit Update

• Choose the unit that is coming out of service (the apparatus being removed)
  
• Alter any information necessary for the out-of-service unit, including it's operational status (toggle either Primary/In Service on or off)
  

• Choose the unit that is coming into service (apparatus being assigned)
• Select the dispatch ID that will be associated with this unit
  
• Change the station where the unit update will occur (this updates the apparatus's physical location)
• Set the operational status for the unit (in-service, out-of-service, or reserve/primary)
• Update the apparatus group if needed (optional - used in rare cases for organizational restructuring)
• Review the update details to ensure accuracy of location, status, dispatch ID, and group assignment
• Confirm and save the unit update
• The system will immediately apply all changes to the selected unit

Reversing a Unit Update (Requires "Reverse an active swap" Permission)

• Navigate to Assets > Swap History
• Click on Unit Updates to filter the swap history

• Locate the Unit Update to be reversed and select Reverse icon (Clock with arrow around it) from the action menu
• Click Yes to confirm the reversal
• The system will restore all previous settings including dispatch ID, location, operational status, and apparatus group assignment

Best Practices

Do:

• Verify the correct unit, dispatch ID, location, and status before confirming the update
• Establish clear naming conventions for generic unit identifiers within your agency
• Document your agency's unit update protocols in standard operating procedures
• Train all personnel with swap permissions on when to use Unit Updates versus full Apparatus Swaps
• Review swap history regularly to track unit assignment patterns and location changes
• Coordinate with dispatch when updating apparatus status to ensure accurate availability tracking
• Use consistent apparatus group assignments unless organizational changes require updates

Don't:

• Use Unit Update when you need to transfer equipment or inventory (use full Apparatus Swap instead)
• Rush through the selection process—incorrect assignments can impact dispatch, response, and resource tracking
• Forget to communicate unit changes, location updates, and status changes to dispatch and field personnel
• Assume equipment automatically transfers with a Unit Update—it does not
• Change apparatus groups without understanding the organizational impact (this is rarely needed)

Common Mistakes to Avoid:

• Confusing Unit Updates with Apparatus Swaps—remember that Unit Updates only change dispatch ID, location, status, and group assignment
• Failing to verify station assignments and status match your operational needs
• Not updating status appropriately when moving apparatus between stations
• Overlooking the physical location update when reassigning units
• Not reviewing swap history to ensure updates were applied correctly

Troubleshooting & FAQs

Q: What's the difference between a Unit Update and an Apparatus Swap? A: A Unit Update changes the dispatch ID, physical location, operational status (in-service, out-of-service, reserve/primary), and optionally the apparatus group—but does not transfer equipment, inventory, or other data. An Apparatus Swap moves all associated resources from one apparatus to another.

Q: Can I undo a Unit Update if I make a mistake? A: Yes. Navigate to Assets > Swap History, locate the Unit Update in question, and select Reverse from the action menu. This will reverse all changes including location, status, and dispatch ID assignments. This requires the "Reverse an active swap" permission.

Q: Will my equipment and inventory transfer with a Unit Update? A: No. Unit Updates only change the dispatch identifier, physical location, operational status, and apparatus group. Equipment and inventory remain with their original apparatus assignments.

Q: Does the Unit Update change where the apparatus is physically located? A: Yes. When you select a station during a Unit Update, the system updates the apparatus's physical location in First Due to reflect its new assignment.

Q: What are the available operational status options? A: You can set units to in-service (actively available for response), out-of-service (unavailable for assignments), or reserve/primary (backup or primary unit designation).

Q: When should I update the apparatus group? A: Apparatus group changes during Unit Updates are rare and typically used only when organizational restructuring requires units to be reassigned to different functional groups. Most routine Unit Updates do not require apparatus group changes.

Q: Can I complete a Unit Update from a mobile device? A: Unit Updates follow the same access patterns as other Assets module functions. If you have mobile access to the Assets module with appropriate permissions, you can complete Unit Updates from mobile devices.

Q: Who can see Unit Update history? A: Users with the "View all apparatus swaps" permission enabled can view the complete history of Unit Updates and Apparatus Swaps by navigating to Assets > Swap History.

Q: Is there a way to set up automated Unit Updates? A: Currently, Unit Updates must be initiated manually. Contact your system administrator or First Due support if you have specific automation requirements.

Q: What happens to active incidents when I complete a Unit Update? A: Unit Updates change the dispatch identifier, location, and status but do not impact active incident records. Ensure coordination with dispatch to avoid confusion during active responses, especially when changing unit status.