EMT Drivers using GPS Navigators

We have MDT's in our trucks so that when we get a call it automatically come to the MDT. When that info is recieved it also crosses over to the same program the county uses for mapping and the built in GPS over the computer auto updates as we move. So it updates to whatever the county has.
Also the mapping tells me wherever the other units are in proximity. When I got my medic in 97 there were no personal GPS units to be had and u had to use a map. Maps are great backups. But that's what the. Are now, backups to GPS.
 
gps's are great!

yes! you can definitely use a gps while in an ambulance. i know they take some time to turn on so just have it all set up and on for when you get a call you just type in the address and go. you can go and update your gps anytime you want so that if theres construction and detours and such in your area just update it online and your gps should know the streets that are open and closed and such.

i've been an emt for only one year and have always used my gps. most of my partners have a gps as well. i know some ambulance companies actually provide gps for the trucks. so feel free to use yours. reading an actual map can be overwhelming for someone who doesnt know where they are to begin with and has some trouble with reading maps and are driving while the other person's in the back.

good luck.
 
princessretard said:
yes! you can definitely use a gps while in an ambulance. i know they take some time to turn on so just have it all set up and on for when you get a call you just type in the address and go. you can go and update your gps anytime you want so that if theres construction and detours and such in your area just update it online and your gps should know the streets that are open and closed and such.

i've been an emt for only one year and have always used my gps. most of my partners have a gps as well. i know some ambulance companies actually provide gps for the trucks. so feel free to use yours. reading an actual map can be overwhelming for someone who doesnt know where they are to begin with and has some trouble with reading maps and are driving while the other person's in the back.
good luck.
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This is exactly the problem nowadays. If you can not read a map, then you need to learn how. I do not let new hires use a GPS, until they can prove vast knowledge of map reading. If you do not learn how, then you will never know. What happens when the satellites go down and GPS is not working?
 
reaper said:
This is exactly the problem nowadays. If you can not read a map, then you need to learn how. I do not let new hires use a GPS, until they can prove vast knowledge of map reading. If you do not learn how, then you will never know. What happens when the satellites go down and GPS is not working?
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true enough. it is very important to know how to read a map. it's a lifesaver when you're trying to find your way out of somewhere new or trying to find someone's residence in emergent or non-emergent calls. there's two people in the truck so hopefully one of them knows how to use a map if need be. maybe the truck has fleet eyes and you can call dispatch for directions as to where to find a place or get back on the main roads or something.

wheni started working as an emt, my supervisor was training me and we were talking about using gps and maps and knowing my way around our area. he said that he had no problem with my using a gps but to start off it'd be great if i went without it and tried learning the streets and how to find the hospital on my own and if i were to loose my way then to pull out the map before the gps. he did encourage his trainees to read maps or at least have an understanding of them rather than just jump for the gps at first. so i get where you coming from.

still, a gps is a great invention, my friend.
 
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