Disconnected systems slow emergency response—fast.
If you’re reviewing FirstDue, you’re likely tired of juggling multiple platforms for incident logs, schedules, and compliance just to keep things running smoothly.
The real kicker is that you waste hours every day on manual entry and never have critical information where and when you truly need it.
FirstDue tackles this head-on by offering a truly unified platform that combines incident reporting, ePCR, pre-planning, inspections, and workforce management—all in one cloud-based suite designed for public safety.
In this review, I’ll show you how FirstDue can finally centralize everything so your agency can focus on what really matters: safer response, streamlined compliance, and less busywork.
You’ll find out, in this FirstDue review, exactly how its features, new modules, pricing, and real alternatives stack up for your next buying decision.
You’ll walk away knowing the features you need to confidently choose or demo FirstDue for your agency.
Let’s dive in.
Quick Summary
- FirstDue is a cloud-native platform that unifies fire and EMS operations through integrated incident reporting, asset management, and scheduling.
- Best for fire and EMS agencies looking to consolidate disparate systems and improve operational visibility.
- You’ll appreciate its consistent interface, strong customer support, and comprehensive all-in-one approach to emergency services management.
- FirstDue offers modular pricing starting around $250-$500 per month, with demos available but no public free trial.
FirstDue Overview
FirstDue, based in Garden City, New York since 2016, has a straightforward mission: to be the single, all-in-one software platform your fire and EMS agency will ever need to purchase.
They specifically target fire and EMS agencies of all sizes, from small volunteer crews to large urban departments and even federal services. What really sets them apart is their ambitious goal of consolidating all critical agency functions.
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Fueled by a major 2021 investment, their growth is impressive. Consistent product launches show a strong commitment to innovation, a key point I’ll evaluate in detail through this FirstDue review.
Unlike competitors like ImageTrend, which can feel like separate tools, FirstDue’s platform was built as a truly unified cloud-native system from day one. This focus creates a much more cohesive user experience.
You’ll see them working with a wide range of organizations, from small-town fire departments to major federal clients like the Department of Defense, validating their scalability and security for your consideration.
From my analysis, their current strategy is all about creating a single source of truth. Their investment in AI and proactive support for the NERIS transition shows they’re building for your future operational needs.
Let’s dive into their feature set.
FirstDue Features
Tired of juggling disconnected software for your agency?
FirstDue solutions offer an integrated approach to unify critical operations for fire and EMS agencies. These are the five core FirstDue solutions that transform emergency service management.
1. Incident Reporting (NERIS Software)
Struggling with complex incident documentation?
Manually tracking incidents across multiple systems creates a headache, making compliance and accurate data collection a real challenge for your team.
FirstDue’s Incident Reporting module streamlines this, simplifying NFIRS and NERIS compliance by capturing critical field data efficiently. What I appreciate is how it supports the upcoming NERIS standard and beta testing, keeping you ahead. This solution ensures accurate reporting for analysis and funding.
This means you can ensure compliance with evolving standards, and your agency gets reliable data for better decision-making.
2. ePCR (Electronic Patient Care Reporting)
Is your patient care reporting messy and slow?
Disjointed ePCR systems often lead to data errors and delays in documenting patient encounters, which impacts patient outcomes and billing.
The NEMSIS v3 compliant ePCR solution helps EMS personnel document patient encounters efficiently, improving data accuracy. While some dedicated EMS software might offer more depth, FirstDue provides a unified experience within their platform, which is a huge benefit for consistency.
So your EMS team can streamline their documentation, leading to better record-keeping and potentially improved patient care.
3. Pre-Incident Planning
Don’t have critical building info at dispatch?
Lacking up-to-date pre-incident plans can jeopardize first responder safety and slow down critical decision-making during emergencies.
FirstDue’s Pre-Incident Planning provides tools for mapping and annotating structures, creating a baseline plan for every building. From my testing, its rich tools allow detailed planning in just minutes, providing crucial information at dispatch. This feature helps improve response efficacy significantly.
The practical outcome is your responders get vital information instantly, which can truly improve safety and potentially save lives.
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4. Fire Prevention & Inspections
Are your fire inspections disorganized and hard to track?
Managing fire and life safety inspections with manual processes can lead to missed compliance, difficulty tracking violations, and increased community risk.
This solution offers comprehensive online and offline inspection capabilities with configurable checklists and violation management. What I found impressive is its ability to drive compliance and manage service providers through intuitive features. This solution helps AHJs reduce community risk.
This means you can efficiently manage your inspection program, ensuring public safety and reducing the administrative burden on your team.
5. Scheduling & Personnel Management
Is staff scheduling a constant headache for you?
Manual scheduling and personnel management often lead to errors, time-off conflicts, and difficulty ensuring compliance with departmental rules.
FirstDue’s Scheduling & Personnel Management streamlines workforce operations with an interactive shift board, configurable call shifts, and time-off requests. From my experience, the advanced sorting logic and call shift rules simplify complex scheduling challenges. This feature ensures compliance.
This means you can reduce manual scheduling efforts, freeing up time for critical tasks, and ensuring your team is always optimally staffed.
Pros & Cons
- ✅ Consolidates multiple critical functions into one intuitive platform.
- ✅ Excellent, responsive customer service and client support.
- ✅ Easy implementation and consistent user interface across all modules.
- ⚠️ Incident reports can be lengthy and occasionally confusing for some users.
- ⚠️ ePCR functionality, while present, may lack depth compared to specialized tools.
- ⚠️ Streamlined bug troubleshooting process could be improved for faster resolution.
You’ll truly appreciate how these FirstDue solutions work together, providing a holistic view of your agency’s operations through a unified, cloud-native platform.
FirstDue Pricing
What will FirstDue pricing truly cost your department?
FirstDue pricing follows a modular, custom quote model, meaning you’ll need to contact sales to get a tailored price for your specific department size and required features.
Cost Breakdown
- Base Platform: Custom quote ($250-$500/month for smaller departments)
- User Licenses: Included in modular pricing, scales with department size
- Implementation: Quoted as part of custom package
- Integrations: Additional costs may apply for advanced API integrations
- Key Factors: Department size, modules selected, custom development needs
1. Pricing Model & Cost Factors
Understanding their pricing approach.
FirstDue’s pricing structure is modular, meaning your costs depend entirely on your department’s size and the specific features or modules you select. While core services like hosting and upgrades are included, advanced modules and integrations add to the total cost. What I found regarding pricing is that smaller departments have a cost range, while larger agencies need a custom quote.
From my cost analysis, this means your total cost of ownership scales with your agency’s evolving needs, avoiding unnecessary expenses.
2. Value Assessment & ROI
Is this pricing worth it?
FirstDue consolidates multiple functions into one platform, which can reduce your overall software spend by eliminating separate vendor costs. Their modular approach ensures you pay for what you use, and what you pay for is comprehensive operational unity. This can lead to better efficiency and data accuracy, providing a solid ROI by streamlining critical processes.
The result is your budget gets better visibility and predictable expenses, preventing costly, disconnected systems.
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3. Budget Planning & Implementation
Planning your budget effectively.
While FirstDue emphasizes no hidden fees, it’s crucial to factor in the potential for increased costs as you scale or add more advanced modules and custom API integrations. Budget-wise, you can expect clear quotes for any additional costs before they are incurred, allowing for transparent financial planning.
So for your business, you can confidently allocate significant budget upfront to ensure smooth deployment and long-term success.
My Take: FirstDue’s pricing model is tailored, providing flexibility for departments of all sizes, though larger agencies will need to engage sales for a precise quote reflecting their complex needs and desired modularity.
The overall FirstDue pricing reflects customized value aligned with your agency’s operational needs.
FirstDue Reviews
What do actual customers think?
This section provides an analysis of FirstDue reviews, drawing insights from real user feedback across various platforms to give you a balanced perspective on the software.
1. Overall User Satisfaction
Users seem quite pleased with FirstDue.
From my review analysis, FirstDue consistently achieves high ratings, averaging 4.6 stars on platforms like G2. What I found in user feedback is how users appreciate its user-friendliness and consistency across modules, which contributes significantly to a positive overall experience.
Review-wise, this pattern suggests you can expect a generally positive interaction.
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2. Common Praise Points
Users love the platform’s ease and support.
Customers frequently praise FirstDue’s intuitive interface and comprehensive all-in-one approach that simplifies operations. What stands out in customer reviews is their excellent customer service and responsive support team, making implementation and ongoing use smoother.
This means you can expect strong support and a less fragmented operational experience.
3. Frequent Complaints
Some users note specific frustrations.
While praise is common, some reviews highlight challenges with report length and occasional ePCR limitations. From the reviews I analyzed, troubleshooting bugs can sometimes be time-consuming, as users desired a more streamlined resolution process for issues.
These issues generally appear to be minor inconveniences rather than major deal-breakers for most users.
What Customers Say
- Positive: “The ease and consistency of the platform across all modules. The knowledge base is super helpful.” (G2 Review)
- Constructive: “It has taken a while to get used to everything, the reports are kind of long and can be confusing.” (G2 Review)
- Bottom Line: “First Due has freed up my mental capacity as a boss… that jumpstart is what saves lives.” (G2 Review)
The overall FirstDue reviews reflect genuine user satisfaction with some functional nuances to consider.
Best FirstDue Alternatives
Considering FirstDue alternatives?
The best FirstDue alternatives include several strong options, each better suited for specific public safety agency sizes, existing integrations, and budget considerations.
1. ImageTrend
Working with state agencies for data and funding?
ImageTrend is often favored by state agencies due to its robust background data capabilities, making interoperability crucial for compliance and funding streams. From my competitive analysis, ImageTrend excels for state-mandated data collection, though FirstDue offers a more modern, cloud-native feel.
Choose ImageTrend if state-level data integration and funding compliance are your top priorities.
2. ESO Solutions
Need a highly robust ePCR or EHR system?
ESO offers strong ePCR and EHR systems, which many users find particularly user-friendly for patient care reporting and other fire RMS modules. What I found comparing options is that ESO offers a highly robust ePCR experience, while FirstDue aims for broader unified operations.
Consider this alternative if your primary need is a dedicated, user-friendly electronic health or patient care records system.
3. Emergency Reporting
Prioritizing an established, compliance-focused platform?
Emergency Reporting has a long-standing reputation in cloud-based fire and EMS records management, with a strong emphasis on compliance and data management. From my analysis, Emergency Reporting has a strong compliance track record, though FirstDue emphasizes a truly unified, modern platform.
Choose Emergency Reporting if your agency values a proven platform with a solid history in regulatory compliance and data integrity.
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4. Station Boss
Budget-conscious and need an all-inclusive solution?
Station Boss focuses on affordability and offers all modules for one transparent price, appealing to smaller organizations seeking a comprehensive yet cost-effective solution. Alternative-wise, Station Boss offers clear, all-inclusive pricing, which differs from FirstDue’s more modular approach.
When budget is a primary driver and you need a complete suite upfront, Station Boss might be your best option.
Quick Decision Guide
- Choose FirstDue: For a modern, all-in-one cloud-native platform experience
- Choose ImageTrend: For state agency data collection and funding alignment
- Choose ESO Solutions: For robust, user-friendly ePCR and existing integrations
- Choose Emergency Reporting: For established compliance and data management focus
- Choose Station Boss: For transparent, all-inclusive pricing for smaller departments
Ultimately, the best FirstDue alternatives decision depends on your agency’s specific needs, budget, and existing infrastructure.
FirstDue Setup
What about FirstDue setup for your department?
FirstDue implementation is generally praised for its ease, making it a smoother deployment compared to many other software solutions. This section breaks down what to expect for your FirstDue setup.
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1. Setup Complexity & Timeline
Expect a surprisingly straightforward deployment.
FirstDue setup is reported as “very easy to implement and integrate” due to its cloud-based architecture, eliminating complex on-premise requirements. What I found about deployment is that its consistent interface aids rapid initial setup, allowing departments to focus on data migration rather than infrastructure.
You’ll find the process manageable, but still plan for internal team coordination to ensure a smooth transition.
2. Technical Requirements & Integration
Minimal technical headaches here.
As a cloud-native platform, FirstDue requires no extensive hardware, integrating with existing dispatch systems via XML, Database Connector, or API. From my implementation analysis, it offers flexible connectivity for your current systems, supporting a wide range of integration methods without significant IT overhaul.
Prepare for basic data import planning, but rest assured the technical footprint is light compared to legacy software.
3. Training & Change Management
User adoption has a learning curve, but it’s manageable.
While FirstDue is user-friendly, some users note it “has taken a while to get used to everything,” particularly for report generation. From my analysis, consistent interface across modules simplifies training, helping your team adapt more quickly than with disparate systems.
Invest in dedicated training time for reporting and advanced features to maximize your team’s proficiency.
4. Support & Success Factors
Vendor support is a major success driver.
FirstDue’s customer support consistently receives high praise for being responsive and helpful, providing prompt, detailed answers. From my implementation analysis, their excellent support significantly boosts successful adoption, making troubleshooting and ongoing usage much smoother for your department.
Leverage their strong support team and knowledge base, which are critical assets for a successful and efficient rollout.
Implementation Checklist
- Timeline: Weeks to a few months for full functionality
- Team Size: Project lead, IT liaison, and module-specific users
- Budget: Primarily software subscription and staff training time
- Technical: Data import planning and integration with CAD/dispatch
- Success Factor: Engaging excellent vendor support throughout implementation
Overall, FirstDue setup is efficient and user-friendly, with vendor support being key to successful adoption and long-term satisfaction.
Bottom Line
Is FirstDue right for your agency?
This FirstDue review offers a decisive verdict on who benefits most from its all-in-one platform and how it addresses critical operational needs for fire and EMS services.
1. Who This Works Best For
Fire and EMS agencies needing operational unification.
FirstDue works best for fire and EMS agencies, from small departments to large regional services, aiming to consolidate disparate systems and modernize technology. What I found about target users is that agencies struggling with disconnected software find immense value in FirstDue’s unified, cloud-based approach, streamlining their entire operation.
You’ll succeed if your priority is improving data visibility, enhancing preparedness, and ensuring compliance across all your operations.
2. Overall Strengths
Comprehensive consolidation and ease of use shine.
The software succeeds by offering an all-in-one, cloud-native platform that unifies incident reporting, pre-planning, and fire prevention with consistent ease of use. From my comprehensive analysis, the platform’s consistency across modules stands out, significantly reducing learning curves and increasing user adoption compared to siloed solutions.
These strengths translate into improved operational efficiency, better data-driven decisions, and a significant reduction in administrative burden for your agency.
3. Key Limitations
Modular pricing and specific module depth are concerns.
While powerful, FirstDue’s modular pricing can lead to higher costs as your agency scales, and certain modules, like ePCR, may lack the depth of specialized software. Based on this review, the ePCR functionality could be more robust for agencies with highly specialized medical reporting needs compared to dedicated ePCR solutions.
These limitations are important considerations, but they are manageable trade-offs if your primary goal is comprehensive system consolidation rather than specialized module depth.
4. Final Recommendation
FirstDue earns a strong recommendation.
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You should choose FirstDue if your fire or EMS agency seeks to modernize, unify, and streamline its entire operational workflow with a user-friendly, cloud-native platform. From my analysis, this solution empowers data-driven decision-making and ensures compliance by centralizing vital information into one powerful system.
My confidence level is high for agencies prioritizing consolidation and long-term innovation in their records and operations management.
Bottom Line
- Verdict: Recommended
- Best For: Fire and EMS agencies consolidating operations and modernizing technology
- Business Size: Small to large fire and EMS departments, including federal entities
- Biggest Strength: All-in-one, cloud-native platform for comprehensive operational unification
- Main Concern: Modular pricing structure and depth of some specific modules
- Next Step: Request a demo to assess module fit for your specific agency needs
This FirstDue review highlights strong value for agencies seeking comprehensive operational unification, while also acknowledging cost and specific module considerations for your decision.