Rapid growth in Manatee County, Florida has led to a surge in traffic and an increase in emergency calls to the county’s dispatch center. From FY 2020 to FY 2023, the volume of 911 calls has risen by over 70 percent. To address the growing demand, the county has initiated a pilot program in one of its busiest areas for emergency calls.
This pilot program involves the installation of new technology at 24 traffic signals and in 10 EMS vehicles. The goal is to assist first responders in reaching their destinations more quickly and efficiently. Jodie Fiske, the Director of Public Safety for Manatee County, details how the technology improves response times. By activating lights to guide ambulances through traffic, an average of 11 seconds is saved at each intersection. This time savings accumulates, resulting in faster emergency response and hospital transport for those in need.
The pilot program currently focuses on the main routes leading to Manatee Memorial Hospital. If successful, the county plans to expand the program across all areas. Fiske emphasizes the importance of keeping traffic flowing to aid emergency vehicles in reaching their destinations promptly. She notes that while residents are typically cooperative, congestion can hinder ambulance progress. The initiative’s goal is to ensure smooth traffic flow to enable faster emergency response.
An ER physician at Manatee Memorial Hospital, Dr. H.B. White, expresses support for the pilot program