Out-of-the-box (OOTB) Role Management System
Purpose Statement
The Out-of-the-Box (OOTB) Role Management System is designed to provide clients with pre-configured, module-aware roles that streamline the user setup process, eliminate redundant manual work, and maintain platform-wide security and consistency.
Background Information
Traditionally, setting up user roles during onboarding required a lot of manual role configuration. To improve consistency, efficiency, and platform security, First Due now deploys a locked, system-managed set of Out-of-the-Box roles to each new client site. These roles dynamically adjust based on which modules are enabled in a client’s environment and cannot be edited by clients. The same roles are also retroactively deployed to existing sites. Clients are still able to create custom roles, but this will save time, reduce the effort required to go live, and be maintained by the First Due product team to ensure your staff always have access to the most up to date features, etc.
Step-by-Step Guide
Step 1: Navigate to Roles
Go to Admin > Roles & Permissions. You’ll see a full list of roles available to your agency. OOTB roles appear here with system-managed permission sets and a locked configuration.
Step 2: Review Out-of-the-Box Roles
Each OOTB role includes a name, description, and a set of permissions automatically adjusted based on module enablement. You can view permissions using the eye icon. These roles cannot be modified or deleted.
Step 3: Assign Users to OOTB Roles
- Navigate to Admin>Users
- Select the Edit Pencil in the Actions column to update the Role of a specific user.
- Select a Role or Roles that you want that User to have or Select All if Applicable then select the "Save" Button
- If you would like to add multiple personnel into a Role or Roles begin at the Main Users Page and select the Users you want to add to a Role:
- Then Chose Change Role" from the Bulk Actions Drop Down
- Then chose the Role (1) you would like and select Update users (2) :
Step 4: Automatic Permission Sync
As modules are enabled or disabled for your client site, OOTB roles are automatically updated to include or exclude permissions relevant to those modules. No manual configuration is needed.
Current Out-of-the-Box Roles
| Role Name | Description |
|---|---|
| Battalion Officer | Oversees multiple fire stations or operational units, typically responsible for incident command, shift management, and operational readiness. |
| Community Risk Reduction Officer | Oversees Community Connect, education, and public outreach efforts. |
| Company Officer | Manages a fire company (crew), overseeing daily operations, personnel supervision, and response readiness. |
| EMS Director | Oversees EMS operations, including protocols, medications, personnel, compliance, and reporting. |
| Fire Marshal | Oversees fire prevention, code enforcement, inspections and investigations. |
| Firefighter | Responds to fire, rescue, and emergency situations. Performs fire suppression, search and rescue, and basic life support duties. Maintains readiness of equipment, apparatus, and station duties as assigned. |
| Firefighter/Paramedic | Serves in dual roles, responding to fire and EMS emergencies. Provides advanced life support care, fire suppression, rescue, and hazard mitigation. Balances responsibilities between medical response and firefighting duties. |
| Fleet Manager | Manages vehicle maintenance, assignments, and readiness for both fire and EMS fleets. |
| Inspector | Conducts inspections for fire code compliance and documents violations. |
| IT User | Manages technical aspects of the system, including integrations, user access, and troubleshooting. |
| Logistics Admin | Handles asset management, supply tracking, and resource logistics. |
| Paramedic | Responds to emergency medical calls and provides advanced life support (ALS) care in the field. Operates under medical protocols to assess, treat, and transport patients. May assist with rescue or other non-fire emergency operations. |
| Scheduling - Roster Only Admin | For Roster-only clients, these are the permissions just for the Scheduling module. |
| Scheduling Admin | Manages shift scheduling, time-off requests, and personnel coverage. |
| Training Officer | Oversees training programs, certification tracking, and compliance. |
| Unit User | Assigned to individual response units with access to operational data. |
Best Practices
✅ Use OOTB roles as your default for new users, especially during initial onboarding
✅ Copy an OOTB role if you need to create a custom variation
❌ Do not attempt to modify or delete system-managed OOTB roles
Troubleshooting & FAQs
Q: Can I edit an OOTB role’s permissions?
A: No. OOTB roles are locked to ensure consistency and security. You can view permissions but cannot edit them.
Q: What if a module is enabled after OOTB roles are deployed?
A: The system will automatically update role permissions to reflect the new module’s functionality.
Q: Can I delete an OOTB role?
A: No. These roles are protected and cannot be removed.
Q: I need a role that isn’t in the list. What should I do?
A: Use the copy icon to duplicate an OOTB role and adjust it as needed.
User Roles & Permissions
Only users with Fire Department Admin access or similar administrative permissions can assign users to OOTB roles.
Related Articles
Inspection Setup - System Options
Purpose Statement This guide demonstrates how to configure the System Options for the Inspections Module. These settings control various inspection workflows, notification preferences, scheduling parameters, and permit handling processes to optimize ...Role List Overview
Purpose Statement The Roles List provides a centralized management interface for viewing, creating, editing, and organizing user roles within the Fire/EMS software platform. This feature enables administrators to efficiently manage access permissions ...Admin > Field Management
Purpose Statement Field Management enables administrators to configure and customize form fields across the First Due platform. This feature allows agencies to tailor data collection fields, set user permissions, and manage dropdown lists to meet ...Creating or Updating a Role: Users
Purpose Statement The Role Management feature allows administrators to assign and modify user roles within the First Due system, ensuring appropriate access levels and permissions for different personnel. This functionality is essential for ...Creating or Updating a Role: Permissions
Purpose Statement The Permissions tab in First Due provides administrators with comprehensive control over user access rights, allowing them to grant or restrict specific capabilities within the platform. This feature ensures proper security ...