Command Board: General Overview

Command Board: General Overview

Purpose Statement

  1. The command board module provides a comprehensive incident management interface that remains consistently available while navigating all sections of the command system. This central hub allows incident commanders to manage critical incident information, coordinate resources, track progress through checklists, and maintain overall situational awareness throughout the entire incident lifecycle.

Background Information

  1. The command board interface serves as the primary control center for incident management, integrating multiple operational components into a single, accessible view. This module supports the Incident Command System (ICS) structure and provides real-time access to essential incident data, resource management tools, and communication features. The interface is designed to remain visible and functional across all command board sections, ensuring continuous access to critical controls and information during incident operations.

Required Permissions

Users must have the appropriate level of the Incident Commands permission configured in their role:

  • Read: View command boards in read-only mode
  • Update: Modify command board settings and information
  • Create: Initiate new command boards and add custom items
  • Delete: Remove command board elements and complete incidents

Additional permissions may be required for specific functions like messaging and roster access based on integrated modules.

Video


Step by Step Guide

1. Click the info button to view:
  • Incident Address
  • Incident Dispatch Type
  • Change Incident Name
  • View or Change Incident Template. 






2. Also visible is:
  1. Incident Name
  2. View or change Strategy
  3. Command/Division Selector
  4. Command Board User
  5. Status of Command Board (will read COMMAND or VIEW ONLY)






3. Notes can be viewed, edited or added with the Notes Icon. 

InfoFor further information about the Notes please see the Related Article--Command: Notes 







4. In the top left of the Command Board:
  1. The Incident timer displays the total time from the start of the Command Board (not the start of the incident). 
  2. Transfer Command option is available

    InfoFor further information about the TRANFER COMMAND please see the Related Article--Command: Transfer & Assuming Command

  3. Complete the Command Board, which prevents further changes from being made making the Command Board Read Only. 






7. MAYDAY Activation
  1. The MAYDAY Activation Button is available in the center of the Command Board.
  2. Selecting the MAYDAY button places the Command Board in a MAYDAY configuration that include the following changes:
    1. Units involved in MAYDA display in RED and are not editable
    2. Specific MAYDAY Checklist Generates 
    3. MAYDAY Assignment is created
    4. MAYDAY Section is created.

Info
For further information about the MAYDAY activation please see the Related Article--Command: MAYDAY






8. Radio Frequency
  1. Select the Radio frequency being utilized for this incident command from the drop down list.






9. Clicking on Checklist reveals all the checklist items assigned to the selected Template. You can:
  • Add Checklist Items at the top. 
  • Expand or collapse the Checklists within the pop up.
  • Edit existing checklist item names by clicking the pencil icon. 
  • Delete existing checklist items by clicking the trashcan icon
  • Mark individual items as completed or select Complete All to mark an entire list complete.






10. In the Option Menu, Users can:
  1. Add Log Entry
  2. Recourse Requests
  3. Messaging
  4. Quick Links
  5. View Roster (Only if the First Due Scheduling Module is active and utilized.






11. This area of the Command Board is always accessible regardless which section (Board, Overview, Map, Log) the User selects. 




Best Practices

Do:

  • Regularly update incident strategy as operations evolve
  • Monitor checklist timers to ensure timely completion
  • Use custom checklist items for incident-specific requirements
  • Maintain accurate notes throughout the incident
  • Transfer command properly when shifts change

Don't:

  • Change templates unnecessarily during active operations
  • Ignore threshold warnings on checklist items
  • Complete the incident command board prematurely
  • Modify critical information without logging the changes

Tips:

  • Customize checklist items at incident start for specific tactical needs
  • Use the notes feature to maintain running incident narrative
  • Leverage quick links for rapid access to reference materials
  • Regularly review frequency assignments for tactical communications

Troubleshooting & FAQs

Q: I can't edit the incident address or type. Why?
A: These fields are read-only as they're populated from the original dispatch information and cannot be modified from the command board.

Q: What happens when I switch templates during an incident?
 A: The system preserves matching items between templates and creates new items for unmatched elements. PAR timers, annotations, and unit placements are maintained.

Q: Why is my command board showing "View Only"?
 A: This indicates you're not the current incident commander. The blue banner shows "Command" when you have control, "View Only" when you don't.

Q: Checklist timers are showing different colors. What do they mean?
A: Gray = active within threshold, Yellow = within 1 minute of threshold, Red = threshold exceeded or completed.

Q: Can I add my own resource request types?
 A: No, resource requests can only be selected from pre-configured options created in Command Setup.

Q: The roster shows different personnel than who responded. Is this correct?
 A: Yes, the roster displays current personnel assignments, not the roster at time of dispatch.


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