Purpose Statement

The Rapid Recall Settings feature enables public safety departments to quickly mobilize personnel during emergency situations that require immediate staffing beyond normal schedules. This system allows administrators to override standard notification preferences and contact all qualified personnel simultaneously, ensuring rapid response capability when critical incidents demand additional resources.

Background Information

Rapid Recall is an emergency notification system designed for situations requiring immediate personnel mobilization, such as major incidents, natural disasters, or multiple simultaneous emergencies. This feature streamlines the callback process by automating notifications to off-duty personnel based on predefined templates and qualification criteria. The system ensures that during critical events, all available personnel receive notifications regardless of their individual notification preferences, maximizing response capability when every second counts.

Required Permissions

• Access Scheduling
  
• Access Setup

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Step-by-Step Guide

Step 1: Access the Scheduling Setup

Navigate to Scheduling > Setup from the main menu to access the scheduling configuration options.

Step 2: Open Call Shift Rules

Click on Call Shift Rules to access the shift management settings where Rapid Recall can be configured.

Step 3: Navigate to Rapid Recall Tab

Switch to the Rapid Recall tab to access all Rapid Recall configuration options.

Step 4: Enable Rapid Recall Feature

Check the box to Enable Rapid Recall. This activation makes the Rapid Recall button visible on the Call Shifts page for authorized users.

Step 5: Configure Notification Override Settings

Set up notification overrides to ensure critical messages reach all personnel:

• Review the override options that bypass user notification preferences during emergencies
• Select which specific notification preferences you want to override (SMS, email, push notifications, etc.)
• Ensure critical channels are selected for maximum reach during emergencies
  

Step 6: Set Default End Time

Enter the Default End Time to specify how long after initiation the Rapid Recall remains active. This helps manage the duration of the emergency callback period.

Step 7: Create a New Rapid Recall Template

Click Add Template to begin creating a reusable Rapid Recall template for emergency situations.

Step 8: Configure Template Details

Enter the following template information:

• Template Name: Provide a descriptive name for easy identification (e.g., "Structure Fire - All Hands", "Multi-Alarm Response")
• Message: Compose the notification message that will be sent to personnel during activation
  

Step 9: Define Personnel Requirements

Configure the staffing requirements for your Rapid Recall:

• Specify the number of positions needed for each qualifier
• Apply filters to target specific personnel:
  • Groups: Select relevant response groups
  • Rotations: Choose applicable rotation schedules
  • Ranks: Specify required rank qualifications
  • Shifts: Select shift assignments if needed
• Click the Plus sign to add additional qualifiers for complex staffing requirements
  

Step 10: Review and Save Template

The right panel displays all Contactable Employees who will receive the Rapid Recall notification based on your criteria. Review this list to ensure proper coverage, then click Save to finalize the template.

Step 11: Manage Existing Templates

Once saved, templates appear in the list where you can:

• Edit: Click the pencil icon to modify template settings
• View Details: Click the eye icon to review template configuration
• Delete: Click the trash can icon to remove obsolete templates
  

Best Practices

• Create multiple templates for different emergency scenarios (structure fires, hazmat incidents, natural disasters)
• Test Rapid Recall templates during training exercises to verify personnel receive notifications
• Regularly update templates to reflect current staffing structures and contact information
• Set appropriate end times that balance emergency coverage with personnel fatigue management
• Document which scenarios warrant Rapid Recall activation in your department's SOPs
• Review contactable employee lists quarterly to ensure accuracy
• Consider time-of-day factors when setting default end times
• Maintain clear, action-oriented message templates that specify reporting locations and required equipment
• Coordinate with dispatch to establish clear Rapid Recall activation protocols

Troubleshooting & FAQs

1. Q: Why don't I see the Rapid Recall button on the Call Shifts page? 
   
1. A: Ensure that Rapid Recall is enabled in the Call Shift Rules settings and that you have the necessary permissions to view and use this feature.
   
2. Q: Can personnel opt out of Rapid Recall notifications? 
   
1. A: No, Rapid Recall is designed to override user notification preferences during emergencies. This ensures critical messages reach all qualified personnel.
   
3. Q: How do I know which employees will receive a Rapid Recall? 
   
1. A: The Contactable Employees list on the right side of the template configuration shows all personnel who meet your specified criteria and will receive notifications.
   
4. Q: Can I schedule a Rapid Recall in advance? 
   
1. A: Rapid Recall is designed for immediate activation during emergencies. For scheduled callbacks, use the regular scheduling features.
   
5. Q: What happens if an employee's contact information is outdated? 
   
1. A: Notifications will fail for outdated contact information. Regularly remind personnel to update their contact details in their user profiles.
   
6. Q: Can I send different messages to different groups in one Rapid Recall?  
   
1. A: Each template has one message. Create separate templates for scenarios requiring different messages to different groups.