CONTROLLING THE SCENE Christian Brewer
As the demands on emergency responders continue to grow, so does the urgency to improve their safety and efficiency. Implementing cloud-based technology is not just a modern convenience; it is a critical advancement that can save lives.
This technology is transforming how emergency response teams operate, offering real-time solutions to age-old challenges. The need for such innovation has never been more pressing.
The Urgency of the Situation
Distracted driving has become a significant threat to first responders. According to a recent study by Autoinsurance.com, since 2020, nearly 500 first responders have been killed on the nation’s roadways by distracted drivers. Despite all 50 states having “move over” laws, compliance is inconsistent, with many drivers unaware or indifferent to the presence of emergency vehicles. The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) reported that in 2017, more than 15,000 fire department vehicles were involved in collisions nationwide, leading to 18 fatalities. These incidents also resulted in 1,080 injuries, highlighting the critical need for improved safety measures.
The statistics reveal a troubling trend: According to the United States Fire Administration (USFA), up to 25% of annual line-of-duty firefighter fatalities are attributable to motor vehicles. This figure underscores the daily dangers that responders face not just from the emergencies they are called to handle but from the very act of getting to the scene. Moreover, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) found that in 2019, approximately 2,500 vehicles crashed into fire trucks parked as blockers, translating to nearly seven such incidents per day.
These figures are not just numbers; they represent the lives of first responders—men and women dedicated to protecting their communities. The rising number of distracted drivers, combined with the inherent risks of emergency response, creates a perilous environment for these professionals. Implementing advanced technologies is, therefore, not just beneficial but essential in addressing these critical safety concerns.
1 Responder-To-Responder alerts allow agencies to communicate as they approach a scene, reducing the likelihood of collisions. (Photos courtesy of Whelen Engineering.)
The Role of Cloud-Based Technology
Cloud-based platforms are revolutionizing emergency response by providing essential tools that enhance situational awareness and safety. One such innovation is Traffic Preemption technology, which grants emergency vehicles priority at intersections and empowers them to request a green light as they approach. This speeds up response times and significantly reduces the risk of accidents.
Chris Watkins, field solution engineer manager at Whelen Engineering, specializes in working nationwide with fire, emergency medical services (EMS), and law enforcement agencies to implement the Whelen Cloud Platform® (WCP®), which provides Traffic Preemption capabilities. “Traffic Preemption can be a game-changer for emergency responders,” says Watkins. “It provides a safer passage through intersections, reducing the stress and uncertainty that responders face when approaching these high-risk areas.” WCP uses a network of solution providers including Miovision, Applied Information, LYT, ThruGreen, and Econolite to offer traffic preemption and other enhanced safety features.
Integrating cloud-based systems also allows for seamless communication and data sharing between var