Command Setup: Assignments

Command Setup: Assignments

Purpose Statement

  1. Assignments in the Command Module allow incident commanders to create and manage standardized job tasks that can be assigned to personnel during emergency operations. This feature ensures consistent task allocation and helps track the completion of critical activities such as ventilation, water supply, fire attack, and rescue operations during incidents.

Background Information

  1. Assignments represent specific jobs or tasks that are commonly performed during emergency incidents. These standardized assignments help maintain operational consistency and ensure that all necessary tasks are properly allocated and tracked throughout an incident. By pre-defining assignments in Command Setup, incident commanders can quickly deploy personnel to critical roles without having to create task descriptions during high-stress emergency situations.

Required Permissions

  • Users must have the appropriate level of the Incident Commands Templates 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

1.  In Web Responder, select the Responder Module and then Command Setup.






2.  In Command Setup, select Assignments.






3.  Select "+Assignment"






4A.  Enter the Name of the Assignment.
4B.  Enter a Threshold time for the Assignment.
4C. Select Save.






5.  Assignments can be edited by selecting the Pencil icon.






6.  Assignments can be Archived by selecting the File Box icon.






7.   Once an Assignment is Archived it can be made active again by navigating to the Archive List and selecting the Checkmark icon.




Best Practices

  • Use clear, standardized terminology for assignment names that all personnel will understand
  • Create assignments that reflect your department's standard operating procedures
  • Set appropriate threshold times for time-critical assignments
  • Include common tactical assignments such as fire attack, ventilation, search and rescue, water supply, and rapid intervention
  • Consider creating assignments for both interior and exterior operations
  • Regularly review assignments to ensure they align with current operational practices
  • Archive outdated assignments rather than deleting them to maintain historical reference
  • Train personnel on proper assignment allocation and tracking during incidents

Troubleshooting & FAQs

Q: What is threshold time and when should I use it?
A: Threshold time sets an expected completion timeframe for an assignment. Use this for time-sensitive tasks that should be completed within specific time limits for safety or operational effectiveness.

Q: Why can't I see the Assignments option in Command Setup?
 A: Verify you have the necessary Command Module permissions and administrative access rights.

Q: Can I create assignments with the same name?
A: The system may prevent duplicate assignment names to avoid confusion during incident operations.

Q: What happens to archived assignments?
A: Archived assignments are stored in the archive section and can be reactivated when needed without losing configuration data.

Q: How many assignments can I create?
A: While there's typically no strict limit, create only assignments your department actively uses to maintain operational clarity.

Q: Can I edit an assignment that's currently active in an incident?
A: Editing capabilities may be restricted for assignments actively used in ongoing incidents to prevent operational disruption.

Q: Will archiving an assignment affect historical incident data?
A: Historical incident records typically retain assignment information even after archiving for accurate record-keeping.

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