Purpose Statement

The Disaster Response Playbook provides Fire/EMS departments with a comprehensive guide to utilizing First Due's integrated features during emergency disaster events. This playbook enables rapid coordination, real-time communication, and efficient resource management when traditional systems may be compromised or overwhelmed during natural disasters, severe weather events, or large-scale emergencies.

Background Information

During disaster events, emergency responders face unique challenges including communication disruptions, increased call volumes, compromised infrastructure, and the need for rapid resource deployment. The First Due platform's disaster response capabilities are designed to maintain operational continuity through offline functionality, real-time tracking, automated alerting systems, and centralized command coordination tools. This playbook serves as a quick-reference guide for utilizing these critical features when every second counts.

Required Permissions

Users will need various permission levels depending on the specific disaster response function:

• Rapid Recall: Scheduling module access, alert sending permissions
• Community Connect: Community data access, bulk alert permissions
• Inspections: Inspection module access, checklist creation/editing
• Command Board: Command module access, unit monitoring permissions
• ePCR Documentation: Medical documentation access, offline form permissions
• Preplans/GIS: Preplan module access, GIS layer management
• Unit Tracking: Response module access, real-time tracking permissions
• Manual Dispatches: Dispatch creation permissions, alert sending rights

Step-by-Step Guide

1. Rapid Recall for Immediate Crew Alerting

      Background: When time is of the essence  and you need to rapidly recall your personnel the system gives you that option.  (Follow Steps 1-3 below)

1. Navigate to Scheduling>Call Shifts> Rapid recall
   
   
   
   
2. Select appropriate disaster response template
   
   
   
   
3. Send alert to designated personnel.
   
   
   

2. Using Community Connect for Realtime Alerts and Data Collection.

Background: Before a disaster strikes Community Connect allows you to send out notifications to alert Residents.  When a disaster strikes getting information to residents is crucial.  Post disaster being able to communicate with residents and being able to locate the most vulnerable is a must.  Using your Community Connect module for these features will prove invaluable.

When to use: You need real-time data on residents or need to communicate alerts.

1. Access Community Connect module
2. Filter by specific hazard type or address range
3. Review medical/mobility needs of affected residents
4. Send zone-based alerts as needed
      Article: Sending Bulk alerts to Community Connect Users
      Article: Communtiy Connect - Residential Information Tiles
5. You can search for high priorty and vulnerable residents by searching the Alert tiles in the advanced filter option.  
   
   
   
   
   

3. Storm Damage Inspections

1. Navigate to Inspections module
2. Create new Inspection Type using storm recovery checklist template : Inspection Type- Part 2 Creating and Editing an Inspection Checklist
3. Complete field assessments using mobile device
4. Document damage and safety concerns
5. Submit reports for coordination and follow-up
   
   
   

4. Command Boards for Live Operations Management

When to use: Need centralized view of all unit activity during disaster response

1. Launch Command Board from main navigation
2. Monitor real-time unit positions and status
3. Drop location pins for critical areas or incidents
4. Use screen-sharing capabilities for coordination meetings
5. Track resource allocation across multiple incidents
   

1. Command Board: General Overview 
   
2. Command: Board Section 
   
3. Command: Messaging 
   

5. Offline ePCR Documentation

When to use: EMS units lose connectivity but need to document patient care

1. Open Mobile App and access ePCR module
2. Complete patient care documentation using offline forms
3. Store data locally on device
4. Upload documentation once connectivity is restored
5. Verify successful data transmission
   

6. GIS Layers for Infrastructure Visualization

When to use: Need to visualize flood zones, infrastructure, or risk areas

1. Access Preplans module
2. Navigate to GIS Layers section
3. Toggle relevant layers: flood zones, hydrants, access paths
4. Import additional ArcGIS map layers as needed
5. Use layered data for tactical decision-making
   

1. Pre-Plans: Managing ArcGIS Layers 
   
2. Web Responder: ArcGIS Features 
   
3. Regional Pre-Planning 
   

7. Unit Tracking and Communication

When to use: Monitor crew movement and coordinate real-time response

1. Open Web Responder or Mobile App
2. Track live unit status and locations
3. Use mapping features to visualize unit positions
4. Create chat groups for incident-specific communication
5. Maintain coordination even when offline
   

1. Web Responder: Unit Tracking
   
2. Mobile App: Unit Tracking
   
3. Creating a Chat Group in Response
   
4. Using Mobile App Offline 
   

8. Manual Dispatch Creation

When to use: Primary CAD/PSAP systems are down or critical alerts needed

1. Access Web Responder or Mobile Responder
2. Navigate to dispatch creation function
3. Manually input incident details
4. Select appropriate units for response
5. Send dispatch alert to selected crews
   

9. Emergency Support Ticket Submission

When to use: First Due system issues during disaster event

1. Access First Due Support portal
2. Create new support ticket
3. Include disaster event trigger words (e.g., "Hurricane Helene", "Flood Emergency")
4. Provide detailed issue description and urgency level
5. Submit ticket for priority handling
   

Best Practices

Pre-Event Preparation

• Sync offline maps and preplans before major storm events
• Verify all GIS layers are current and quality-checked
• Ensure mobile devices have latest First Due app updates and are charged
• Create Rapid Recall templates for various disaster scenarios
• Pre-build storm recovery inspection checklists
• Customize Community Connect icons for high-risk residents
  
• Build Ad Hoc Reports that allow you to track informations being entered from Inspection Checklists
  
• Build a Dashboard to display "Real Time" information from reports

During Event Operations

• Conduct quarterly drills using Command Board and Rapid Recall
• Maintain regular communication through established chat groups
• Monitor unit status continuously through tracking features
• Document all activities for post-event analysis
• Coordinate with external agencies using shared mapping features

Post-Event Actions

• Upload all offline documentation once connectivity restored
• Conduct thorough inspection surveys using standardized checklists
• Review response effectiveness through Command Board data
• Update contact information and community data based on event impacts