NERIS Impact on Analytical Reports

NERIS Impact on Analytical Reports

Purpose

As First Due transitions to align with NERIS (National Emergency Response Information System), your First Due Reporting module will evolve to reflect the new national data standards. This article outlines what’s changing, what’s staying the same, and what’s new—so your team can confidently navigate the transition.

What's Changing 


NERIS introduces a modernized structure for incident classification that replaces the NFIRS single-code system with a more descriptive and layered approach. Users will need to understand these changes and how they will impact Incident Type based reports.
Example: 
NFIRS Incident Type Code
NERIS Primary Group
NERIS Subgroup
NERIS Value
Code
111, 112, 113, 114, 115, 116, 117, 118, 121, 122, 123, 121
Fire
Structural
Room and Contents Fire
FIRE / STRUCTURE_FIRE / ROOM_AND_CONTENTS_FIRE


Enhanced Categorization:
Incident types are now reported to NERIS in tiered categories, improving clarity and trend analysis. Example: An incident previously logged as NFIRS code "111 – Building Fire" may now be reported as: FIRE → Structure Fire → Room and Contents Fire. This provides deeper context and more actionable data for departments and municipalities.
​
Multiple Incident Types per Event
NERIS allows for up to three incident types to be recorded per event, acknowledging the complexity of modern emergency responses. For instance, a single event may be classified under both a vehicle accident and subsequent vehicle fire.

Dispatched vs. Final Incident Types
NERIS supports the separation of dispatched incident types from final confirmed types, enabling reporting on both what was expected and what actually occurred.


Mapping NFIRS Codes to NERIS Categories

First Due Canned Reports (FDRS):
As part of the transition to NERIS, First Due is reviewing and updating all canned reports available in the First Due Reporting Suite (FDRS). Some reports may require structural updates to align with new data fields or incident classification logic introduced by NERIS.

Reporting on Data Spanning NFIRS and NERIS
First Due is actively developing resources, canned reports, and database relationships to support reporting that spans across NFIRS and NERIS data. As available in the link above, we’re leaning heavily on NERIS’s own crosswalk that maps NFIRS incident type codes to NERIS categories. Users should understand that this is not a one-to-one relationship, and interpretation may vary based on the specific context of each incident.

Our goal is to strike the right balance between making reporting easy and accessible for users while maintaining data integrity and ensuring accuracy in all report outputs. This is an evolving process, and we are committed to continuously improving the tools and guidance available to support your reporting needs during this transition.
​

What’s Staying the Same

​Core Operational Metrics
Reports built around core operational data types such as response times, structural and property details, personnel and resources, casualty and patient care data, operational tactics, and environmental/contextual factors—will continue to function as expected following the transition to NERIS. These data elements mostly have a direct link from NFIRS to NERIS and are already integrated into First Due’s reporting infrastructure. Because the underlying structure for these fields remains consistent, we expect reports built on this information will continue to work as expected.

What’s New

Integration of New NERIS Fields

New data elements introduced in NERIS to further enhance your reporting experience. Prioritized additions include:

  • Response & Dispatch Fields
    – Including dispatch priorities, and on-scene durations.
  • Resource Utilization
    – Units on scene, personnel counts.
  • Emerging Hazards
    – New classification options for incidents involving modern risks (e.g., lithium-ion battery fires).
  • Community Risk Reduction (CRR)
    – NERIS introduces new CRR data points, and First Due is building dedicated tables to capture and report on these activities.

To ensure all customers are equipped to successfully navigate the shift to NERIS, First Due will be releasing comprehensive training content, updated documentation, and an expanding library of First Due Reports (FDRs) tailored to the new data standards. These resources are designed to simplify adoption, support accurate analysis, and empower your team to report with confidence. As the NERIS landscape continues to evolve, First Due remains committed to providing the tools and guidance you need to maintain continuity, uncover new insights, and drive operational excellence.



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