Command: Initiating or Joining an Incident Command
Purpose Statement
- The incident command feature allows users to create, access, and manage command boards for active incidents. This functionality enables incident commanders to coordinate resources, track assignments, and maintain situational awareness during emergency responses. The feature supports both mobile and web platforms, ensuring seamless command operations regardless of the user's device or location.
Background Information
- Incident command boards provide a centralized platform for managing emergency responses, allowing users to coordinate units, track assignments, and maintain real-time situational awareness. This feature is essential for effective incident management and supports ICS (Incident Command System) protocols. The command module works identically across both mobile and web responder platforms, ensuring consistent functionality regardless of access method. Command boards are automatically generated using pre-configured templates based on incident type, streamlining the setup process during critical response situations.
Required Permissions
Users must have the Incident Commands permission configured in their role to access this functionality. Navigate to Admin Module > Roles and Permissions to configure these settings:
- Read: View existing command boards in read-only mode
- Update: Modify and update existing command boards
- Create: Initiate new incident command boards
- Delete: Remove command boards
Note: Most operational users will need Create, Update and Read permissions to effectively manage incident commands.
Video
Step-by-Step Guide
~Mobile~
1. Select Incidents.
2. Then select an incident from the incident list.
3. Scroll down in the incident information window to access the Take Command Button.
4. Another way to Initiate a Command in Mobile is to click on an incident icon on the map.
5. Then select Take Command from the Incident Information window that pops up on the right side of the screen.
5. Then select Take Command from the Incident Information window that pops up on the right side of the screen.
~Web Responder~
1. Select the Responder Module and then Responder View.
2. Select an incident from the Incident List and then Select Take Command.
3. In Web, Command can also be initiated by clicking on a Incident Icon and then Selecting Take Command from the pop-up window.
Both Mobile and Web
1. Regardless of selecting Take Command in Mobile or Web Responder, a pop-up window will appear where with the generated Incident Name and Default template for that incident. The Incident name can be edited and the template can be changed prior to starting the Command. Select Create.
2. The Incident Command is now initiated and the user will automatically be redirected to the active incident Command.
3. In both Web and Mobile, an Incident Command can also be created by navigating to the Response module, then to Incident Command List.
4. Select Create Command
5. Select the dispatch to assign this Incident Command to from the drop down list.
6. Edit the Incident Name and the template as desired. Then select create.
Joining an Incident Command
1. After a Command Board has been initiated for an incident, the Take Command button will be replaced with an Incident Command button which will take the User to the active command board. In the Incident Command List the Eye icon can be selected to join the specific incident command.
Best Practices
Do:
- Review and customize the incident name to reflect the actual situation
- Select the appropriate template for the incident type
- Verify your permissions before attempting to create command boards
- Use consistent naming conventions for incidents across your department
Don't:
- Create duplicate command boards for the same incident
- Modify templates without understanding their impact on the command structure
- Assume all users have command permissions - verify role configurations
Tips:
- Pre-configure incident templates in Command Setup to streamline the initiation process
- Train all potential incident commanders on both mobile and web interfaces
- Establish department protocols for when to initiate incident commands
Troubleshooting & FAQs
Q: I don't see the Take Command button. What should I check?
A: Verify that your role has the appropriate Incident Commands permissions (Create or Update) configured in the Admin Module.
Q: The Take Command button changed to Incident Command. What does this mean?
A: This indicates that a command board has already been initiated for this incident. Select Incident Command to join the existing board rather than creating a new one.
Q: Can I change the incident name after creating the command board?
A: Yes, incident names can be modified within the command board interface after creation.
Q: What's the difference between mobile and web functionality?
A: The functionality is nearly identical between platforms. The main difference is in navigation and interface layout, but all core features work the same way.
Q: How do I know which template to select?
A: Templates are pre-configured based on incident types in Command Setup. Select the template that best matches your incident type and response requirements.
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