Offline Login for ePCR

Offline Login for ePCR

Purpose Statement

This tutorial provides step-by-step instructions for enabling and using offline login for ePCR clients within the First Due platform. This functionality allows EMS personnel to start and complete reports even when they have no internet connection, improving reliability in the field.

Background Information

Offline login functionality is designed for EMS agencies that require access to ePCR forms in areas with limited or no internet connectivity. This feature must be enabled at both the client and user role level. Users must also take specific steps during initial setup to ensure their devices are properly configured for offline access. Please work with your implementation or client success manager to get offline login turned on for your department prior to following this setup guide.

Prerequisites:
  • Only available on compatible browsers (see compatibility section).

  • Users must initially log in and open an ePCR online prior to utilizing offline login functionality.

  • MFA and SSO are not supported in offline mode.

Step-by-Step Guide

Set Up Roles for Offline Login (FD Admin)

  1. Go to Roles & Permissions

  2. In the navigation menu, go to Roles & Permissions.

  3. Create a Role for Offline Login (Recommended)

    • Click Add Role

    •  

    • Name the role something like "Offline Login Access"

  4. Assign Offline Login Permission

    • Within the role editor, search for offline

    • Enable the permission "Allow offline sign-in" 


  5. Assign the Role to Users

    • Add this role to all users who need offline access

InfoAlternative: Add the offline permission to an existing role instead of creating a new one

Using Offline Login as a User

  1. Initial Device Login

    • Log in while online on the device you will use offline (e.g., Safari on iPad or Chrome on Windows)

    • Open the EMS Incident List and start an ePCR

    • Once the page loads, you may exit—this caches the page for offline use

  2. Subsequent Users on the Same Device

    • Must also log in online first to cache credentials

    • They do not need to open the ePCR page

  3. Accessing Offline Mode

    • When offline, users can log in and will be redirected to the EMS Incident List

    • Start a new ePCR and click Save and Exit when finished

    • The report will show not synced

  4. Continuing Work Offline

    • Reports can be re-opened and updated offline

    • Always click Save and Exit to store updates locally

  5. Syncing When Back Online

    • Reports will automatically sync once the device reconnects to the internet


Best Practices

  • ✅ Have all users log in online at least once per device online before trying to use offline

  • ✅ Use supported browsers only (see below)

  • ✅ Create a dedicated offline access role for better control

  • ❌ Avoid using SSO accounts for offline users


Troubleshooting & FAQs

Q: Why can’t I access offline mode after logging out?
A: You may not have visited the ePCR page online or your role lacks the offline login permission.

Q: Why won’t the form sync when I’m back online?
A: Ensure your internet connection is active and you do not close the browser before syncing completes.

Q: What happens if multiple users use the same device?
A: Each must log in online at least once for their credentials to be stored.

Q: Does this work on the First Due mobile app?
A: No. Offline login is not supported on the mobile app.


Device Compatibility

DeviceBrowser SupportNotes
iOS (iPad, iPhone)SafariOnly Safari is supported
WindowsChrome (preferred), EdgeFully supported
AndroidChrome (preferred), OperaFully supported
First Due Mobile App❌ Not supported

User Roles & Permissions

  • FD Admin: Creates and assigns roles with offline login permissions

  • Users: Must be assigned a role with the “Allow offline sign-in” permission


Compliance & Security

  • SSO Not Supported: Offline login does not support SSO authentication

  • MFA Skipped: Multi-Factor Authentication is bypassed in offline mode

  • AI Transcription: Not available while offline

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