Command: PAR Checks

Command: PAR Checks

Purpose Statement

The PAR (Personnel Accountability Report) check feature in the Command Module enables incident commanders to systematically verify the safety and accountability of all personnel assigned to tactical operations during active incidents. This feature provides automated timer thresholds with audio and visual warnings, individual unit status tracking with visual indicators, comprehensive logging of all PAR activities, and the ability to pause and resume PAR checks to accommodate dynamic incident operations while maintaining complete personnel accountability.

Background Information

Personnel accountability is a critical safety function during emergency operations, ensuring that all personnel assignments are tracked, crews are operating safely, and command maintains awareness of personnel status throughout incident operations. The PAR check system provides a structured, documented approach to conducting regular accountability checks.

PAR Timer Configuration

  • PAR timer thresholds are configured in Command Setup for each template (example: 10 minutes, 15 minutes, 20 minutes, etc.)
  • Templates also specify whether audio warning sounds will be emitted when timer thresholds are reached
  • Timers count continuously from zero to the established threshold
  • Division-specific PAR timers operate independently from the main incident command board timer

PAR Timer Warnings

  • One-Minute Warning: When the timer reaches one minute before the threshold (example: at 9 minutes for a 10-minute threshold), an audio warning sounds (if enabled in setup) and the timer turns yellow as a visual cue
  • Threshold Reached Warning: When the timer reaches the threshold (example: at 10 minutes), another audio warning sounds (if enabled) and the timer turns red, remaining red until manually reset
  • Timers can be reset at any time regardless of threshold status

PAR Check Process

  • Initiated by selecting the shield icon on the command board
  • Command board dims to read-only state except for units within assignment fields
  • Only units assigned to tactical assignments can be included in PAR checks (unassigned units and command staff units cannot be marked during PAR)
  • Each unit begins the PAR check with a warning symbol and yellow highlight
  • PAR counter displays real-time count of units marked as having PAR

Unit Status Indicators

  • Yellow (Warning): Default status at PAR initiation; unit has not yet reported
  • Green (Check Mark): Unit has reported PAR and is accounted for
  • Red/Issue Marker: Unit has reported an issue or problem requiring attention
  • Status cycles through these three states with each click on the unit

PAR Completion Options

  • All Units PAR: Confirms all units have reported accountability with no issues
  • Incomplete PAR: Documents that some units did not respond or reported issues
  • Pause PAR: Temporarily suspends PAR check to allow command board edits, can be resumed multiple times

All PAR activities are automatically logged in the Log Section with complete timestamps and unit-specific status information for post-incident review and documentation.

Required Permissions

  1. 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

Understanding PAR Timer Alerts

  1. Normal Operation: Timer counts up to the configured threshold (Grey Status)



  2. Warning Phase: At 1 minute before threshold, timer turns yellow and audio warning sounds (if enabled)



  3. Threshold Reached: When timer reaches threshold, timer turns red and second audio warning sounds



  4. Manual Reset: Use the reset button to restart timer at any time during the process



Initiating a PAR Check

  1. Start PAR Check: Click the shield icon on the command board to initiate a PAR

  2. Command Board Lock: The board dims and enters read-only mode and shows the following:
    1. All Assigned units are displayed with yellow highlighting and warning symbols
    2. PAR counter appears to track units reporting successful PAR



Conducting the PAR Check

  1. Mark Units with PAR: Click once on each unit that reports successful PAR (unit turns green)
  2. Mark Units with Issues: Click twice on units reporting problems or emergencies (unit turns red)
  3. Reset Unit Status: Click three times to return unit to default yellow warning status
  4. Monitor PAR Counter: Track the running count of units successfully reporting PAR
  5. Verify Unit Eligibility: Only units in assignment fields can participate (unassigned units and command staff are excluded)



Completing the PAR Check

  1. Complete Successful PAR: Select "All Units PAR" when all personnel are accounted for
  2. Record Incomplete PAR: Select "Incomplete PAR" if some units don't respond or report issues



  3. Review PAR Results: Verify PAR results are properly documented in the incident log and Units in Assignments have the proper PAR Status (Green Checkmarks for PAR, Red 'X' for having an issue. The PAR timer resets to zero and begins counting again after completion.

Managing PAR Interruptions

  1. Pause PAR Check: Select "Pause PAR" to return command board to full editing capability to make any necessary command board modifications or assignments



  2. Resume PAR Check: Select the Shield Icon again to continue the PAR process from where it was paused. The PAR Check can be repeatedly paused/resumed as many times as needed




  3. Log Documentation: All pauses and resumes are automatically recorded in the incident log





Best Practices

Do's

  • Initiate PAR checks promptly when the timer reaches the threshold to maintain consistent accountability protocols
  • Use the one-minute warning (yellow timer) as a preparation cue to ready for PAR check initiation
  • Mark unit status accurately based on actual reported status rather than assumptions
  • Use the "Incomplete PAR" option when units don't respond rather than marking all units as having PAR
  • Pause PAR checks when urgent command board actions are required rather than rushing through accountability
  • Train all command personnel on PAR check procedures during non-emergency periods

Don'ts

  • Don't ignore PAR timer warnings—they exist to ensure regular accountability checks
  • Don't mark units as having PAR if they haven't actually reported their status
  • Don't complete PAR checks with "All Units PAR" when some units haven't responded—use "Incomplete PAR" instead
  • Don't forget to follow up on units that didn't respond to PAR requests
  • Don't rush through PAR checks—accurate accountability takes precedence over speed
  • Don't assume division supervisors are conducting their own PARs without verification

Tips & Recommendations

  • Establish standard department PAR timer thresholds for different incident types and hazard levels in Command Setup templates
  • Use shorter PAR timer thresholds (10 minutes) for high-hazard operations and longer thresholds (20 minutes) for lower-risk activities
  • Use the PAR counter as a quick visual reference for tracking progress through accountability checks
  • Train crews to anticipate PAR checks at regular intervals so they're prepared to respond promptly
  • Use the pause feature strategically when Mayday situations or urgent tactical changes require immediate attention
  • Review PAR log entries during operational period transitions to identify patterns of delayed responses or issues

Troubleshooting & FAQs

Q: Why can't I mark unassigned units during a PAR check?
A: The PAR check system only includes units assigned to tactical assignments. Unassigned units and command staff units are excluded from PAR checks because they are not actively engaged in hazardous tactical operations requiring the same level of accountability tracking. Assign units to tactical assignments before conducting PAR if they need to be included.

Q: What happens if I complete "All Units PAR" when some units haven't responded?
A: Selecting "All Units PAR" records in the Log Section that all units reported complete accountability. This creates inaccurate documentation if units actually haven't responded. Always use "Incomplete PAR" when any units haven't reported their status to maintain accurate accountability records.

Q: Can I edit assignments or move units during an active PAR check?
A: During an active PAR check, the command board is in read-only state except for marking unit PAR status. To make edits to assignments or units, you must first pause the PAR check, which returns the command board to editable state. After making necessary changes, resume the PAR to continue the accountability process.

Q: Does the PAR timer automatically reset after I complete a PAR check?
A: Yes. When you complete a PAR check by selecting either "All Units PAR" or "Incomplete PAR," the PAR timer automatically resets to zero and begins counting toward the threshold again. You can also manually reset the timer at any time using the reset button.

Q: What does the PAR counter show?
A: The PAR counter displays the total number of units that have been marked as having PAR (green status). Units marked with issues (red) or remaining in warning status (yellow) do not count toward this total. Use it to track how many units have reported complete accountability.

Q: How do division PAR timers work in relation to the incident command PAR timer?
A: Division PAR timers operate independently from the incident command PAR timer. Each division has its own timer that can be set, monitored, and reset separately. Division supervisors can conduct PAR checks within their assigned divisions independent of incident command PAR activities. Refer to the Managing Divisions article for more information on division-specific PAR operations.



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