First Responders Face Work Zone Challenges: But New, Old Methods Help Them Cope

Construction projects often play a big role in the everyday decision making of first responders. Road construction zones can delay first responders and force them to take alternative routes in order to arrive at their destination as quickly as possible. On several occasions, Fort Wayne first responders have resorted to moving safety cones and driving through gravel to get to a specific route. However, new technologies and old resources have made it possible for emergency responders to do their jobs effectively in the midst of construction. The recent use of Global Positioning Systems (GPS) in ambulances has created a much more effective system of gathering real time information on various road closures. GPS will soon be installed in Fort Wayne fire and police vehicles as well, which will ease the burden of finding alternative routes during emergencies. Even with the implementation of new technology, emergency responders will still rely on techniques of the past in case of technological failure. Wit, familiarity, and maps will likely remain in the repertoire of emergency responders long into the future.