Setting up the ePCR- Field Customization

Setting up the ePCR- Field Customization

Purpose

This article demonstrates how to use the Field Customization tab in EMS Setup to configure ePCR fields according to agency requirements. Field Customization allows agencies to modify the appearance and behavior of dropdown fields while maintaining NEMSIS compliance.

Background Information

Field Customization provides agencies with control over how ePCR fields appear and function for end users. This feature is essential for aligning the documentation interface with local protocols, terminology, and operational priorities—without altering core data structure or compliance rules.

Common Use Cases

  • Reordering dropdown lists to prioritize frequently used values
  • Disabling unused or outdated field values
  • Relabeling fields or dropdown values to match agency-specific terminology
  • Renaming the Field Label itself for clarity

Important Distinction

  • Field Customization controls user interface behavior and appearance
  • To set default values or enforce required fields beyond validations, use Workflows

Required Permissions

  • Administrative access to EMS Setup
Standard field users do not have access to Field Customization settings.

Video


Step-by-Step Guide

1. Navigate to Field Customization
  • Navigate to EMS Setup
  • Click Field Customization
Navigate to EMS Setup - Field Customization



2. Add or Edit a Customized Field
  • Click Add to customize a new field
  • If a field already has customization applied:
    • Click the Pencil icon in the corresponding row to edit
Click on Add to customize a field. If a field already has customization in place, use the pencil icon in the corresponding row.



3. Locate the Desired Field
  • Use the Dropdown list
  • Use the Search bar to find the desired ePCR report field
Use the dropdown list and search bar to find the desired report field.



4. Manage Dropdown Values
  • Click Values to edit dropdown list options
To edit, disable, or rearrange the values in a field's dropdown list of choices, click on Values.



5. Reorder Dropdown List Items
  • Use the Drag & Drop column to rearrange the order values appear in the ePCR




6. Enable or Disable Dropdown Choices

  • Toggle the Check Mark on or off to enable or disable individual list values

Toggle the check mark to enable or disable list choices within the dropdown list.



7. Edit Display Descriptions

  • Type directly into the Display Description box to rename dropdown list values

Change the description of each dropdown list choice by typing in the Display Description box.



8. Sync Primary and Secondary Fields (When Applicable)
  • When managing:
    • Primary Provider Impressions, or
    • Primary Symptoms
  • Enable the Sync Secondary Field toggle to automatically sync display descriptions to:
    • Secondary Provider Impression, or
    • Other Associated Symptoms
When managing Primary Provider Impressions or Primary Symptoms enabling this toggle will sync the display description to either the Secondary Provider Impression or Other Associated Symptoms.



9. Understand Sync Restrictions
  • If Sync Secondary Field is enabled:
    • Values in the corresponding secondary field cannot be edited independently




10. Update the Field Label

  • Type a new name into the Label box to rename the field as it appears in the ePCR







11. Set Field as Read-Only
  • Toggle Read Only on to prevent users from editing the field




12. Convert Dropdown to Button Selection
  • Toggle Button View on to display dropdown options as clickable buttons instead of a list





13. Save Field Customization
  • Click Save to apply changes

 

Best Practices

Do’s
  • Review changes with clinical leadership before implementation
  • Use clear, consistent terminology familiar to field staff
  • Test changes in a non-production environment when possible
Don’ts
  • Do not disable values required for reporting compliance
  • Avoid excessive customization that may confuse users
Tips & Recommendations
  • Prioritize frequently used values at the top of dropdown lists
  • Use Button View for fields with limited, high-frequency choices
  • Document customization decisions for future administrators

Troubleshooting & FAQs

Customized field changes not appearing
  • Confirm changes were saved
  • Refresh the ePCR or log out and back in
Unable to edit secondary field values
  • Verify whether Sync Secondary Field is enabled
Dropdown value missing
  • Check if the value was disabled in Field Customization
Field still editable after setting Read Only
  • Confirm no workflows override the behavior

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