Effective incident documentation is critical for maintaining accountability, supporting decision-making, and creating accurate after-action reports. The Notes feature provides a structured system for capturing real-time information during dynamic incident operations. Notes can be created, edited, and deleted throughout the incident lifecycle, with all actions automatically logged in the incident log for complete traceability.

The three note types serve different documentation purposes:

• General Notes: Document overall incident information, command decisions, or observations not specific to any unit or assignment
• Unit Notes: Capture information specific to individual apparatus, crews, or personnel
• Assignment Notes: Record details about specific tactical assignments or operational objectives

All notes are visible in a centralized Notes section on the Command Board, with a counter displaying the total number of notes created (not unread notifications). This system supports both immediate operational needs and post-incident review processes.

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.

1. 1A  Basic or General Note.
2. 1B   Assignment Note  (Attached to a specific Assignment).
   
3. 1C Unit Note  (Attached to a specific Unit).
   

1. 2A  Select the Note section at the top of the Command Board.
   
2. 2B  Select Add Note.
   
3. 2C  Enter the desired information into the text field of the Note.
   
4. 2D  Select Create.
   

1. 4A  Select Add Notes from the Unit Menu.
   
2. 4B  Enter the desired information into the text field of the Note.
3. 4C  Select Create.
   

1. 6A  Select Add Notes from the Unit Menu.
   
2. 6B  Enter the desired information into the text field of the Note.
3. 6C  Select Create.
   

1. 8A  Selecting the pencil icon. 
   
2. 8B  Make the desired edits.
   
3. 8C  Select Save.
   

1. 9A  Selecting the Trashcan icon. 
   
2. 9B  Select Confirm to delete.
   

Do's

• Create notes promptly while information is fresh and accurate
• Use descriptive, clear language that will be meaningful during post-incident review
• Attach notes to the appropriate type (general, unit, or assignment) for better organization
• Document significant decisions, observations, or communications that may be relevant for after-action reports
• Review existing notes periodically during extended incidents to maintain situational awareness
• Use unit notes to track apparatus-specific information like equipment deployment or crew assignments
• Use assignment notes to document tactical progress, challenges, or completion status

Don'ts

• Don't assume the note counter indicates unread messages—it shows the total number of notes
• Don't use notes as a substitute for proper radio communications during time-critical situations
• Don't create general notes when information is specific to a unit or assignment—use the appropriate note type
• Don't delete notes without considering their value for post-incident documentation and review
• Don't use abbreviations or codes that may not be understood by other personnel reviewing the notes

Tips & Recommendations

• Establish consistent note-taking protocols within your department for standardized incident documentation
• Consider using notes to document resource requests, scene conditions, or tactical changes
• Train personnel on the distinction between the three note types to ensure consistent usage
• Review notes during incident transitions or operational period changes to brief incoming command personnel
• Use the automatic logging feature as evidence of documentation timeline during incident reconstruction