To demonstrate how to create custom Boolean questions within the EMS Setup in First Due. Boolean questions appear as toggle switches (yes/no or true/false) inside the ePCR, allowing agencies to customize their forms with organization-specific data collection requirements beyond standard NEMSIS fields.
Custom Boolean questions provide agencies with the flexibility to enhance their ePCR forms with specific yes/no data collection requirements that support their operational needs, compliance standards, and documentation protocols. These questions integrate seamlessly into the ePCR workflow as toggle switches, allowing field personnel to quickly document binary information. Custom Boolean questions can be placed within existing data sets or custom subsections and can be configured for XML export to support external reporting requirements.
Access the EMS Setup located in the Incident Documentation module from your First Due administrative interface.
Select the Custom Elements section to begin creating your custom Boolean question.
Select the Add button within the Custom Questions subsection to create a new custom element.
When adding Custom Elements, required fields will be identified by the (*) symbol. Ensure all required fields are completed before saving.
Input a Custom Element ID in the designated field:
Within the Title field, enter the text that will become visible to providers filling out an ePCR. This should be clear, concise, and clinically relevant.
From the Data Type dropdown, select Boolean.
Note: When selecting Boolean, the Recurrence defaults to "No" and becomes non-selectable.
Choose whether to include this custom element within the XML Export by using the dropdown and selecting Yes or No based on your reporting requirements.
Configure Not values using the dropdown and selecting all options that will apply for this custom question. These define what constitutes a negative response.
Set any Pertinent Negatives from the dropdown that should apply to the question being asked. These support clinical documentation standards.
Enter the definition of this question in the provided field. This is used for internal tracking and reference purposes.
From the Path section, choose how to position this question:
When Add to Custom Subsection is selected, use the dropdown to place this question in any of your agency's Custom Subsections.
Reference: See article "ePCR Sections" for instructions on creating custom subsections.
Set default values based on your requirements:
Important: If Default Value is set to "Yes", you will not be able to set Pertinent Negatives or Not Values. To set Default Pertinent Negatives or Not Values, choices must be selected from steps 9 and 10.
To save and create your new custom question, select Add. Review all configurations before finalizing.
Question Design Standards:
Configuration Guidelines:
Data Management:
Quality Assurance:
Common Issues:
Q: Boolean question is not appearing in the ePCR A: Verify the question is properly saved and check the Path configuration. Ensure it's assigned to the correct Data Set or Custom Subsection.
Q: Cannot set Pertinent Negatives or Not Values A: Check if the Default Value is set to "Yes". When Default Value is "Yes", Pertinent Negatives and Not Values cannot be configured.
Q: XML Export is not including the custom Boolean question A: Confirm the XML Export setting is set to "Yes" in the question configuration. Review export templates if the question still doesn't appear.
Q: Question appears in wrong location within ePCR A: Review the After Field setting or Custom Subsection placement. Modify the Path configuration to position the question correctly.
Q: Toggle switch is not functioning properly A: Verify the Data Type is correctly set to "Boolean". Check for any conflicts with existing form elements or validation rules.
Q: Element ID conflicts with existing questions A: Use unique, descriptive Element IDs. Check existing custom elements to avoid duplicates. Follow agency naming conventions consistently.