FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
August 31, 2021
CFD is using GPS on fire trucks and ambulances to reduce response time to the community.
CHARLOTTESVILLE, VA - The Charlottesville Fire Department is using GPS on fire trucks and ambulances to reduce response time to the community.
In July, the Charlottesville Fire Department enabled a process called, "proximity dispatch," to improve response performance and reduce the time it takes personnel to arrive at emergencies. The process uses GPS information from existing technology in the city's fire and emergency medical service vehicles. When an emergency prompts a 911 call, the region's Emergency Communications Center activates an automated process that immediately finds the closest emergency resources. Based on the proximity of the vehicles and the city's roadway network, the emergency communication center dispatches the closest units.
The new process is exhibiting improvements in response performance by reducing the time it takes for emergency responders to arrive on the scene.
Media Contact
Dr. Hezedean Smith
Fire Chief
Charlottesville Fire Department
(434) 970-3323
smithhez@charlottesville.gov
