Whelen Enhancing First Responder Safety and Efficiency with Cloud-Based Technology
This article was first published in the October 2024 edition of Fire Apparatus & Emergency Equipment.
As the demands on emergency responders continue to grow, so does the urgency to improve their safety and efficiency. The implementation of 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 reported that in 2017, over 15,000 fire department vehicles were involved in collisions nationwide, leading to 18 fatalities. Shockingly, 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, 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 firetrucks 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. The implementation of advanced technologies is, therefore, not just beneficial but essential in addressing these critical safety concerns.
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 greenlight as they approach. This speeds up response times and significantly reduces the risk of accidents.
Chris Watkins, Field Solutions Engineer Manager at Whelen Engineering, specializes in working nationwide with fire, 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 utilizes a network of solution providers including Miovision, Applied Information, LYT, ThruGreen, and Econolite to offer traffic preemption and other enhanced safety features.
The integration of cloud-based systems also allows for seamless communication and data sharing between various emergency response units. For example, systems like the WCP enable different agencies in active response mode — fire, EMS, and law enforcement — to share real-time information through Responder-To-Responder alerts that can flash lights on a control panel or trigger a digital voice message as they approach a scene. Advanced warnings such as these increase situational awareness as emergency units converge on the same location at high speeds and has been shown to reduce the risk of collision by up to 90%. This is crucial in multi-agency responses, where coordinated efforts can significantly impact the outcome of an emergency.
Another invaluable feature of cloud-based technology that is provided by Whelen and other industry leaders is Geofence Controlled Technology, which adjusts vehicle settings based on location. For example, as a vehicle approaches an intersection or enters a high-risk zone, the system can automatically enhance lighting and siren patterns, alerting nearby drivers more effectively and allowing apparatus operators to keep their hands on the wheel. “Geofence Controlled Technology is an exciting innovation that significantly enhances the safety of both first responders and the community,” says Watkins. “It allows our first responders to focus less on navigating complex controls and more on reaching the scene quickly and safely, especially during responding events.” This system can also streamline vehicle maintenance, allowing fleet managers to monitor engine diagnostics and schedule repairs proactively. The ability to remotely update vehicle software and settings through the cloud reduces downtime and ensures that all units operate with the latest safety protocols.
Beyond Technology: The Impact on Community Safety
The implementation of these technologies extends beyond the safety of the responders themselves; it also impacts the broader community. By improving response times and reducing the likelihood of accidents en route to emergencies, cloud-based systems ensure that first responders can arrive more quickly and safely at the scene. This efficiency can be lifesaving, especially in critical situations like fires or medical emergencies.
Digital Alerts sent to the public can inform drivers of approaching emergency vehicles or active incidents ahead, giving them ample time to yield or reroute safely. This not only protects emergency responders but also enhances the safety of all road users. For instance, the WCP’s digital alerting feature using HAAS Alert’s Safety Cloud® service can send notifications to drivers’ GPS and vehicle infotainment systems, informing them of an emergency vehicle’s presence. This proactive communication can prevent dangerous situations where a distracted driver might not notice flashing lights or hear sirens in time.
Furthermore, these technologies have implications for community relations and public trust. When the public sees tangible improvements in emergency response efficiency and safety, it fosters greater confidence in their local emergency services. This, in turn, can lead to increased cooperation during emergencies and better adherence to safety protocols like moving over for stopped emergency vehicles.
Cloud-based systems also provide invaluable data for post-incident analysis. By recording and analyzing data from each response, agencies can identify patterns and areas for improvement. This data-driven approach allows for continuous refinement of emergency response strategies, ensuring that they evolve in line with emerging challenges and technological advancements.
Conclusion
The integration of cloud-based technology into emergency response protocols represents a significant leap forward in protecting first responders and the communities they serve. As distracted driving continues to pose a growing threat, adopting these advanced systems becomes not just a technological upgrade but a necessary evolution in public safety.
Chris Watkins aptly summarizes the essence of this innovation: “Utilizing the latest technology in conjunction with a high-quality lighting and warning system is the best way to increase safety and efficiency. Cloud platforms like the WCP, which are specifically designed to protect those who protect others, offer tailored features that meet the unique needs of our first responders and provide solutions to the daily challenges they face in service of their communities.”
The future of emergency response is here, and it’s in the cloud — enhancing safety and efficiency and ultimately saving lives. As industry leaders prioritize the continual development and implementation of these technologies, they honor the dedication of first responders who risk their lives daily, ensuring they have the best possible tools to do their jobs safely and effectively.
CHRISTIAN BREWER is a Field Solution Engineer for Whelen Engineering.
