PLEASE NOTE - This is a public document. Any edits/updates to the document should not be specific to any particular site or installation. All edits/updates should apply to the system in general and be of possible benefit to all users. Information pertaining to specific sites should be added to the client site info pages for the site in question. |
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Welcome to the Horizon EME (Event Management Environment) Getting Started Guide. The purpose of this preliminary guide is to familiarize new users with the basic features of the system. This guide is intended to bring you up to speed on how to use the system for simple dispatching and call taking functions for one agency and one jurisdiction only. Coverage of multi-agency and multi-jurisdiction topics are left to later training once the basic functions covered in this guide have been learned.
This guide also covers single operator functions only. Additional features are activated in multi-operator environments. These topics are also left to later training courses. It should be noted however that in multi-operator environments all call details entered by one operator are immediately available on all other EM Center systems (as well as EM Mobile systems if present in responding vehicles). The system does support multiple operators working on the same or different calls at the same time by utilizing additional built in mechanisms to coordinate operator actions.
Finally, the EM Center system is designed so that all aspects of the system workflow are customizable by the user. The information below covers a sample configuration and workflow. As an example, the event and unit statuses and their allowable progression through a call may be different from your training system. This guide is intended to give you an overview of how a typical system would operate. You will be provided with more detailed instructions should areas or operational aspects of your system be different from those contained in this guide.
Logging on and off are generally done at the beginning and end of your shift, respectively.
NOTE - Your system may look different or be organized in a different way from the configurations shown below. The Horizon EME is comprised of a number of different components (event displays, unit displays, map windows, etc.) that can be organized and arranged in any way requested by the user. Even if your layout is different from the images below the functional overview contained in this document will still apply |
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The EME typically uses a multi-screen layout. As well, the system uses a “flat format” type interface, so all important information is available at all times.
We will now look at how the system is used.
Call Taking and Dispatching answer two simple questions: Where and What. Where refers to where the event is located. What refers to what kind of event is involved, and what resources should be sent to deal with it.
An Example of a 2-Screen EMCenter configuration with the call taking screen on the left and the map on the right. Your system may be configured for more screens or have the windows organized in a different manner.
Automatic vs. Manual Call Taking
To enter the call information manually, follow these steps:
Using the New Event Button
The New Event button is located in the Event section of the main display. Clicking on it will enable you to create a new event. In the case where there is more than one agency or department, it lets you choose which one you wish to create the new event for.
The Jurisdiction Field
The Jurisdiction/City field is where you manually choose the city or jurisdiction you are dispatching the call from. If E-911 is present, this information is filled in automatically.
Setting the Address
Here we see the Street field, where you enter the street component of the address. Like a number of fields in the CAD, the Street field has an auto-population feature – just start typing in the name, and it automatically starts narrowing down the choices.
After you have selected a street you can search the system for all the valid addresses along that street. Just drop down the street search window and start typing the number you are searching for. The system will display all numbers equal to and greater than the number you have entered.
You can also set the address by searching for a location name. To start searching for valid locations in the jurisdiction selected you would start typing the first letters of the location you are searching for in the “Premise Name” search box. When you locate the desired location you can just select it from the list, hit the <TAB> key and the system will set that premise as the location of the event.
If you are not sure of the exact spelling of the name of the desired location you can do a wild-card search. You can enter the “%” character anywhere in a search field and the system will display all variances of locations that match the name you have typed.
The system also allows you to search for road intersections. To search for an intersection just type the first 3 characters of the the first road intersection followed by a forward slash “/” then the first 3 characters of the second road intersection name. Alternately you can search for intersections by typing the entire name of the first street followed by the second street. The system will automatically narrow down your search as you type.
You can also search for a location by selecting a valid road address range or valid set of cross streets. Once you select this information, hitting <TAB> will enter the information into the system.
There are three specific levels of Validation that an address can fall into:
Valid, Partially-Valid, and Invalid Addresses
When an address is valid, the Cross Street, Street Segments and Response Zone are displayed (as above). The premise Name field will fill in and turn green.
When an address is partially valid, everything will display but the Premise Name field, which will remain blank and blue.
When an address is Invalid, these fields display as blank and red (as below).
Note: The system may be configured so you can cut and paste an existing event note back into the event notes field. This is done in situations wherein the same note needs to be repeated for another call, or any similar situation wherein copying is faster than typing it out again.
An Example of Event Notes Being Entered
The Call Type Menu
This is an example of a typical call type selection, from which you select the appropriate type. You can either choose the type from the menu or begin typing the name of the call type in the field, and the system will select the most appropriate.
The EME Call Taking Section, with All the Fields Filled Out
You can also cancel the call
Once the call is accepted, you can now decide what units should respond.
Accepting a Call Using the Status Button
The Status button is located in the Event section. To accept a call, click on the button, and choose the “ACCEPT” option from the drop-down list.
At this point you can review the selection and make modifications if required.
An Example of Recommended Units
Examples of a Change in Event Level
Clicking on the arrows next to the Event Level field enables you to change the alarm level (and vehicle recommendations) as appropriate.
Once the units are dispatched, the system allows you to record and manage different aspects of the response
An Example of Changing the Manning on a Call
The arrow keys next to the manning field enable you to manually change the manning as required. In the example above, the manning field on the left is red – that means that the minimum manning for that call type has not yet been met. Once the manning threshold has been satisfied, the field turns green.
Example of Setting a Timer in the Units Window
In the above example, the user is using the right-click function to set a timer. Instead of using the button, click on the unit or event you want to set a timer for and right click – then follow the menu options to find the appropriate timer.
Setting a Unit In Command
When a Unit is marked in Command, an Asterisk (*) appears next to it in the Units and Assigned Units listings. In the example above, one vehicle is already marked in command, and we are choosing to switch command to another vehicle.
Once the last responding unit to an incident has returned to quarters, the event status reverts to Finished. At this point, you can finish up entering any data left outstanding, and can close the event.
An Example of Closing an Event
Above, we see how the Status button is used to close an event, after all vehicles have returned to quarters. Some system may use shorter acronyms such as “CD” in the place of “Closed”.
The Mapping section provides you with an at-a-glance understanding of ongoing events. To navigate around the map, use the Pan tool (click the “hand” button in the map toolbar), or use the arrow keys.
An Example of a Map Displaying the Response Scene
An Example of a Map with the Response Zones Color Coded
An Example of Map Layers
In the example above, you can see the various map layers for a given city. These are located in the menu tree next to the map in the Map window, and can be navigated in several ways. Click the +/- to hide or show them, and check/uncheck the box to show/hide them.
A Close-Up Example of Hydrants on the Map, with the Information Toggled On
A Close-Up of the Map, with the Move Event Option Highlighted
A Close-Up of an Event on the Map, with the Information Toggled On
The Pictometry system provides photographic, scale-accurate aerial images of all municipal addresses in the US from a number of angles, greatly enhancing response capability. If your department has Pictometry images enabled, you can access them from the map by right-clicking and choosing the Pictometry option.
A View of the Map with Pictometry Enabled
You may also be required to add geographic markers (Geo-Markers) to serve as indicators or reminders about events or conditions in your coverage area. By right clicking on the map at the location that you would like to add the Geo-Marker you can go the the “Add Geo-Marker” menu item section and select the Geo-Marker type you would like to add. You can then fill in the details such as the name, description and, if applicable, the auto-delete time for the Geo-Marker in question.
Your system may also be configured such that Geo-Markers are automatically added to the system from other integrated external databases or systems without requiring operator input. If this is the case then the Geo-Markers will appear automatically on your map screen and have their details listed in the Geo-Markers listing on the left-hand side details section of the map screen. You can also access the details of a Geo-Marker by right-clicking on it and selecting “Toggle Info”.
A View of the Map with a number of Geo-Markers Added
After you have added a Geo-Marker you have the option of then added a related GeoFence. GeoFences can be added to show the area of coverage that is related to the Geo-Marker. You can add a GeoFence by right clicking on a Geo-Marker, selecting 'Add GeoFence…' and following the instructions that appear of the screen.
A View of the Map with a GeoFence Added
The system also enables you to review all information about the call, using the tabbed displays just below the location information. These tabs show when each status change, action, event note, and every other event-related entity was entered, and by who.
Note: Some systems are configured so that tabs flash when new information is available.
There are a number of other functions that are useful for the event management process:
An Example of the Priority for a Call being Set
The Priority function can be combined with the Sort function to stack calls in order of priority. First set the priority of the calls, and then sort them by clicking on the Priority header. This will sort the calls in order of Priority (Ascending or Descending).
An Example of Selecting an Action
An Example of Using the Combine Function
An Example of the Email Dialogue Box
This is the box that you see when you activate the email function, where you select the individuals who are to receive the notification from the list provided.
Note: The system may be configured so that emails are sent automatically (or not), based on a whole host of situation-specific conditions. This is fully dependent on the needs of each particular client.
Note: The system may be configured so that the email notification box pops up automatically for certain call types, prompting you to send an alert email to the appropriate personnel.
When an event is highlighted and this option is selected, you can create a NEW event at the same location for another agency. This is important in situations where you are performing multi-agency dispatch (Fire, Police, EMS, etc.), and more than one agency needs to respond. When the new event is created, it is in the same location, but will have a different incident number, and may have different response group, vehicle recommendation, and other info. To access this function, highlight the appropriate event, click on the arrow section of the New Event button and select whichever agency you wish to copy the existing event to.
The New Event Button with Agencies and Copy to Functions Displayed
An Example of the Command Line
This is an example of how the Command Line is used. In the example above, the user has typed the short cut for At Scene, and the names of the Units they wish to be placed in that status.
An Example a Hydrant Listing
An Example a Related Premise Listing
An Example a Related Premise Media File
An Example a Operating Procedure File
These are some of the standard headers that are found in the Events, Units and Assigned Units tabs. Information under these headers is sortable by clicking on the heading in question.
Event Number: Shows the numbers assigned to the active events.
Type: Event Types, as defined in the field.
NB: An “@” symbol in this field indicates that the event is physically NEARBY the selected event.
Status: The current status of the event (Dispatched, Enroute, etc.).
Priority: Generally High, Medium, or Low. The default is generally medium.
Premise Name: The name location of the event.
Address: The street address of the event.
Timer: Displays any active timers.
Agency Name: Displays who the responding agency is for the selected event.
Unit: Displays Unit designations (i.e., “P1”).
Primary Agency: Displays the primary agency each unit is assigned to.
X: Provides the current X coordinate (If GPS is enabled).
Y: Provides the current Y coordinate (If GPS is enabled).
Responding Agency: Displays which agency is the default responding agency for a given event.
Event: Displays the event number.
Status: Displays the status of the unit in question (i.e., Dispatched, Enroute, etc.).
Timer: Displays any active timers.
Base Response Group: Indicates which response group a given unit is assigned to.
What follows are some system functions that can help in making the event response process quicker and more effective.
Remember: Black tabbed displays mean there is no information in that specific tab. Blue tabbed displays mean that there is information in the tab, and red tabbed displays mean that the information has changed since the last time you looked at it.
These are other functions that may be important in the Event Management process.
A Close-Up of the Window Manager Window
An Example of the RMS Interface Module
The RMS Module lets you access many types of information that might be stored in your RMS system, such as contacts, building info, permits, pre-plans and much more.
An Example of the Scheduled Events Module
An Example of the Bulletin Board Module, with a Message Group Highlighted
NOTE: You can go to the command line at any time by pressing the Shift and Escape keys (Shift+Esc) at the same time or by placing your mouse in the command line box.
NOTE: You can go back and forth in the command line history (to recall and repeat commands) by using the arrow up and arrow down keys
This command lets you enter actions directly in the command line, using the initials (first letters) of the Action.
Example: The action “Police On Scene”, which is abbreviated to “POS”. This command is used when the event you wish to add an action for is already selected in the Event window.
This command lets you enter actions directly in the command line, using the initials (first letters) of the Action, as in 1) above. The difference however, is that you use it when you wish to add an action to an event that you do not have selected.
Example: After the plus, you type in the event number, and THEN the abbreviation. Using the example above, it would look like “AA+ 12345 POS”.
This command lets you enter actions directly in the command line, typing out the entire action.
Example: To use the example cited in 1) – Police On Scene, you would type AF Police On Scene.
This command lets you enter actions directly in the command line, typing out the entire action.
Example:To use the example cited in 1) – Police On Scene, you would type AF Police On Scene. The difference however, is that you use it when you wish to add an action to an event that you do not have selected. After the plus, you type in the event number, and THEN the abbreviation. Using the example above, it would look like “AA+ 12345 Police On Scene”.
This command lets you manually assign units to an event.
Example: Simply type AS and then the call signs of the units you would like to assign – i.e., AS P101 P102 E99
This command will clear the display of the current event being viewed
Example: CL will clear the display of the current event being viewed
This command will create a new event for the agency specified.
Example: CE H will create a new event for the Halton Hills Fire Service.
This command will downgrade the alarm level of the current event or the event specified*
Example: DL will downgrade the alarm level of the current event
Example: DL 109 will downgrade the alarm level of the event that ends in number “109”
This command takes you directly to the Premise field in the Event Info section, letting you modify or search for the name as appropriate.
This command will add an event note to the current event
Example: EN VSA will add “VSA” as an event note to the current event
This command will add an event note to the event specified*
Example: EN+ 109 VSA will add “VSA” as an event note to the event that ends in number “109”
This command will change the event status of the current event or the event specified* if the change is allowed
Example: ES CN will cancel the current event
Example: ES 109 CN will cancel the event that ends in number “109”
Possible Event Status Specifiers are:
AC – Accepted
CD – Closed
CN – Canceled
*All other event statuses are system controlled
This command will exit the EME
Example: EX will exit the EME
This command will log off the current user
Example: LO will log off the current user
This command will center the map on current event or the event specified*
Example: ME will center the map on the current event
Example: ME 109 will center the map on the event that ends in number “109”
This command will center the map on the unit specified+
Example: MU P720 will center the map on unit P720
This command turns on or off recommendation for the current event if the event has a status that allows recommendation
Example: RC will activate recommend for the current event if the current event has a status that allows recommendation and the recommend function is not active
This command will select and display the event specified*
Example: SE 109 will select and display the event that ends in number “109”
This command will select and display the event specified by its position in the event list
Example: SE 1 will select and display the first event in the event list
Example: SE 3 will select and display the third event in the event list
This command will set the focus to the event info tabs (Event Notes, Event Times, Unit Times, etc) so that the user can scroll through them using the arrow keys
Example: TABS will set the focus to the event info tabs
This command will change the status of the unit specified if the status change is allowed
Example: US P720 OS will set the status of unit P720 to Out of Service
Example: US P720 T740 C701 IQ will set the status of unit P720, T740 and C701 to In Quarters
Possible Unit Status Specifiers are:
DP – Dispatched
EN – Enroute
TB – Turn Back
RR - Reroute
AS – At Scene
CL – CLEAR
RT – Returning
IQ – In Quarters
OS – Out of Service
IS – In Service
This command will upgrade the alarm level of the current event or the event specified*
Example: UL will upgrade the alarm level of the current event
Example: UL 109 will upgrade the alarm level of the event that ends in number “109”
+ A GPS system must be in use for this function to work
This command lets you zoom in a specified amount on the map. The amount you zoom in is specified by a number.
Example: Typing ZI 50 will magnify the map view a certain degree, but less than ZI 100
This command is the opposite of above, letting you zoom out a specified amount on the map. The amount you zoom out is specified by a number.
Example: Typing ZO 50 will zoom out the map view a certain degree, but less than ZO 100