Command Board: General Overview
Purpose Statement
The Command Module Overview section provides incident commanders with persistent access to critical incident information and control functions that remain available throughout all command board operations. This interface enables users to view and modify incident details, manage command authority, monitor accountability timers and checklists, select radio frequencies, create log entries and resource requests, send messages to personnel, and access quick reference links—all without navigating away from active command board operations to support efficient, comprehensive incident management.
Background Information
The Command Module Overview represents the permanent header and control section of the command board that maintains visibility and accessibility regardless of which specific command board section (Board, Map, Log, Overview, Manage Divisions) is currently active. Understanding this persistent interface is essential for effective command board utilization.
Persistent Availability The overview section remains visible and functional while navigating between different command board sections, providing continuous access to critical controls and information without interrupting workflow or requiring navigation back to specific sections.
Information Display Area
Information Button (Toggle Submenu) Displays incident dispatch details in read-only format:
- Incident Dispatch Address: Cannot be edited (from dispatch system)
- Incident Dispatch Type: Cannot be edited (from dispatch system)
- Incident Name: Created at command initiation, can be changed any time during incident, all changes logged
- Template: Defaults to selection assigned to dispatch incident type in Command Setup, can be changed at command initiation or during incident operations
Template Switching Behavior When switching templates during active incidents:
- System matches items across both templates based on predefined criteria (assignment names, checklist types, items)
- Matched items transfer without data loss
- Unmatched items are automatically created in new template, replicating initial setup and preserving original properties
- Warning appears before user confirms transfer
- PAR timer count is maintained across switches
- Annotations and pre-planned unit placements are preserved
- Command staff, assignments, and units with matching items are preserved
- Strategy and resource requests are maintained
- All template switching actions are logged
Strategy Display Shows current operational strategy being utilized (Offensive, Defensive, Transitional, etc.), can be changed at any time during incident operations with changes logged.
Command Board Selector Allows users to display main incident command board or select from division command boards, determines which board is active for viewing and editing.
Command Board User Displays the user currently in command and control of the command board, provides clear identification of command authority.
Notes Section Opens window to view, add, edit, or delete notes. Number displayed shows total current notes (not read/unread indicator). Covered in detail in separate Notes article.
Command Status Banner Displays one of two indicators:
- "Command": Current user is in control of incident command board with full editing capabilities
- "View Only": Current user does not have control, read-only access only
Incident Timer Tracks overall time for the incident from creation of command board (not from initial dispatch time). Provides duration reference for operational period planning and accountability.
Transfer Command Allows users to transfer command authority to another user through voluntary or forced transfer process. Covered in detail in separate Transfer Command article.
Complete Closes command board and marks it in completed status, making the board unable to be edited and viewable in read-only status. Used when incident operations are concluded.
Radio Frequencies Section Displays and allows selection of radio frequency being utilized for incident operations. Can be changed at any time from choices in dropdown list. Frequency options are configured in Command Setup.
Checklist Section
Display Number: Shows number of incomplete checklist items requiring completion
Checklist Window: Opens popup displaying all checklist items associated with current template
Checklist Item Management:
- Add custom checklist items by selecting "Add Checklist Item"
- Must choose checklist item type to sort new item
- Enter custom checklist item text
- Set threshold time for item (optional)
- Edit items using pencil icon (change type, name, threshold time)
- Delete items using trash can icon with confirmation
Checklist Timer Behavior:
- Each item has unique timer starting at command board initiation
- Gray highlighting: Normal status
- Yellow highlighting: Within 1 minute of threshold
- Red highlighting: Threshold reached, remains red until marked complete
- Timer stops when item marked complete but remains red
- Items without set threshold count until completion but remain gray
Options Menu (More Options)
Add Log: Create new log entry without navigating to Log Section, opens popup window for log entry with file/picture attachment capability
Resource Request: Create new resource request or adjust existing requests, reset timers, add requests from Command Setup configured list
Messaging: Send messages to First Due users with recipient selection, search, filtering, and template options. Covered in detail in separate Messaging article.
Quick Links: Access external web pages or resources configured in Command Setup, opens in new window or separate app on mobile
View Roster: If using First Due Scheduling module, displays current shift roster (note: shows current roster, not roster at dispatch time)
Mayday Activation Feature Located in center of command board, enables specific Mayday functionality. Covered in detail in separate Mayday article.
All actions taken through the overview section are automatically logged in the Log Section with complete timestamps and user information for comprehensive incident documentation.
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
Video
Step by Step Guide
- Incident Address
- Incident Dispatch Type
- Change Incident Name
- View or Change Incident Template.
- Incident Name
- View or change Strategy
- Command/Division Selector
- Command Board User
- Status of Command Board (will read COMMAND or VIEW ONLY)
For further information about the Notes please see the Related Article--Command: Notes - The Incident timer displays the total time from the start of the Command Board (not the start of the incident).
- Transfer Command option is availableFor further information about the TRANFER COMMAND please see the Related Article--Command: Transfer & Assuming Command
- Complete the Command Board, which prevents further changes from being made making the Command Board Read Only.
- The MAYDAY Activation Button is available in the center of the Command Board.
- Selecting the MAYDAY button places the Command Board in a MAYDAY configuration that include the following changes:
- Units involved in MAYDA display in RED and are not editable
- Specific MAYDAY Checklist Generates
- MAYDAY Assignment is created
- MAYDAY Section is created.
- Select the Radio frequency being utilized for this incident command from the drop down list.
- 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.
- Add Log Entry
- Recourse Requests
- Messaging
- Quick Links
- View Roster (Only if the First Due Scheduling Module is active and utilized.
Best Practices
Do's
- Keep incident name descriptive and updated as incident scope or location changes
- Monitor checklist completion regularly to ensure critical tasks aren't overlooked
- Update strategy selection when operational approach changes to maintain accurate documentation
- Use custom checklist items to capture incident-specific tasks not in standard templates
- Monitor incident timer to support operational period planning and accountability timeframes
- Review command status banner regularly to confirm your current authority level
Don'ts
- Don't complete the command board prematurely before all operations are truly concluded and documentation is finalized
- Don't switch templates during active incidents without understanding the consequences and data preservation behavior
- Don't ignore checklist timer warnings (yellow and red highlighting)—they indicate time-sensitive tasks
- Don't forget that completing the command board makes it read-only and uneditable
- Don't assume the View Roster shows dispatch-time roster—it displays current roster only
- Don't change radio frequencies without coordinating with dispatch and operational units
Tips & Recommendations
- Configure comprehensive command board templates in Command Setup during pre-incident planning to reduce need for custom additions
- Establish department protocols for incident naming conventions to support consistent documentation
- Use custom checklist items strategically for unique incident circumstances not covered by template items
- Leverage quick links to provide command personnel with immediate access to frequently referenced resources
- Train all command personnel on the persistent overview interface during non-emergency periods
- Review template switching warnings carefully before confirming to understand impact on current command board data
Troubleshooting & FAQs
Q: Why can't I edit the incident dispatch address or type?
A: The incident dispatch address and dispatch type are read-only fields populated from the dispatch system. These fields cannot be edited in the command board to maintain alignment with the originating dispatch call. If corrections are needed, they must be made in the dispatch system.
Q: What happens to my current command board data if I switch templates?
A: The system matches items across templates based on predefined criteria and transfers matched items without data loss. Unmatched items are automatically created in the new template preserving their properties. PAR timer count, annotations, pre-planned units, command staff, assignments with matching names, units, strategy, and requests are all preserved. A warning explains these consequences before you confirm the switch.
Q: Does the incident timer show time from dispatch or from command board creation?
A: The incident timer tracks time from command board creation, not from initial dispatch. This timer measures command board operational duration rather than total incident duration from dispatch.
Q: What does the number on the Notes section indicate?
A: The number shows the total count of current notes associated with the incident. It is NOT an indicator of unread versus read notes—it simply displays how many notes exist.
Q: Can I undo completing the command board?
A: Once a command board is marked complete, it becomes read-only and cannot be edited or reopened for active operations. Complete the command board only when incident operations are truly concluded and all documentation is finalized. This action should be considered permanent.
Q: Why do some checklist items stay gray while others turn yellow or red?
A: Checklist items with configured threshold times will turn yellow (within 1 minute of threshold) and red (threshold reached). Items without configured thresholds remain gray regardless of elapsed time but continue counting until marked complete. Threshold configuration determines timer warning behavior.
Related Articles
Related Articles
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