Traffic Week: How do SWFL EMS combat traffic congestion in 'the road to rapid response?'

Tomas Rodriguez, Fort Myers News-Press
·3 min read
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Note to readers: The News-Press and Naples Daily News are producing a series of stories about traffic in Southwest Florida. We are calling our special coverage "Traffic Week" and today we focus on our first responders and how they are able to (in Lee County) navigate through all of the vehicles on the roads to get to a call in a timely fashion.

Nearly 100,000 new residents began calling Southwest Florida home in July 2022 compared to April 2020, U.S. Census data shows.

The consistent rise in population locally is one of the reasons county officials in the region say first responders undergo training periodically.

Fort Myers firefighter Dalton Williams drives truck 11 along Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard on Tuesday, Jan. 23, 2024, after responding to a call in Fort Myers. Firefighters, paramedics and police officers often have to navigate through heavy traffic as they respond to calls.
Fort Myers firefighter Dalton Williams drives truck 11 along Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard on Tuesday, Jan. 23, 2024, after responding to a call in Fort Myers. Firefighters, paramedics and police officers often have to navigate through heavy traffic as they respond to calls.

In Lee County, where the population grew from 760,820 to 822,453 in just over two years, first responders have to recertify every two years, said Betsy Clayton, Lee County spokesperson. It includes 16 hours of training.

Deborah Curry, spokesperson for Collier County, didn't respond to multiple requests for comment. The population in Collier County increased from 375,760 in April 2020 to 397,994 in July 2022, U.S. Census data shows.

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How is answering a call different for Lee County EMS in February compared to August? 

Clayton said that in February, Lee County EMS staff experiences more favorable weather conditions, which enhances their working environment.

With an increased number of residents during this time, there is a corresponding rise in emergency calls and heightened traffic, she said.

What, if any, special training do drivers of ambulances, fire trucks, police cars in Southwest Florida deal with getting around traffic? 

All EMS personnel undergo a comprehensive 16-hour vehicle operation training, consisting of both classroom and practical components, Clayton said. Each staff member recertifies every two years.

Clayton said the training covers essential skills such as tight turns, backing maneuvers, quick critical thinking and depth perception.

"This preparation ensures Lee County’s team is well-equipped to navigate through traffic safely and efficiently," Clayton said in a written statement.

How frustrating is it to not move quickly and often be slowed down to get around traffic? 

While traffic delays are inevitable, Clayton said, Lee County EMS' ambulances are strategically located throughout the day to maintain timely emergency responses 24/7.

"Staff, through training, understands the occasional challenges posed by high traffic volumes," Clayton said in a written statement. "Despite any possible frustrations, their training and preparedness helps them navigate through traffic safely and efficiently."

Are there any special protocols in place for calls during the busiest traffic months of the year? 

Clayton said Lee County EMS protocols remain consistent year-round, "prioritizing a safe environment for both staff and residents."

In instances of critical or life-threatening emergencies in outlying locations, Clayton said Lee County has the resource of "Lee Flight," an air ambulance.

"Lee Flight swiftly transports patients to the appropriate hospital," Clayton said.

Are there proactive measures to monitor traffic throughout the day and night and look for red flags to avoid major backups? And if so, how is this done? 

Clayton said Lee County EMS employs proactive measures to monitor traffic, dynamically moving units throughout the day to cover all areas of the county.

A fire truck leaves Station 11 in downtown Fort Myers to respond to a call on Tuesday, Jan. 23, 2024.
A fire truck leaves Station 11 in downtown Fort Myers to respond to a call on Tuesday, Jan. 23, 2024.

An inter-departmental communication strategy facilitates the sharing of information regarding changes to traffic patterns, road closures and construction, Clayton said, ensuring that the EMS team can adapt to evolving traffic conditions, minimize potential delays, and provide seamless coverage for medical emergencies throughout the county.

Is there any data from 2022 or further back regarding EMS vehicle crashes during season?

Tim Engstrom, spokesperson for Lee County, said EMS was involved in 29 traffic incidents on Lee County roadways last year.

"The county actively monitors and documents EMS vehicle crashes and incidents," Clayton wrote. "Data are crucial for evaluating and improving services to the community in various situations."

Tomas Rodriguez is a Breaking/Live News Reporter for the Naples Daily News and The News-Press. You can reach Tomas at TRodriguez@gannett.com or 772-333-5501. Connect with him on Threads @tomasfrobeltran, Instagram @tomasfrobeltran and Facebook @tomasrodrigueznews.

This article originally appeared on Naples Daily News: How EMS in Fort Myers, Naples, Cape Coral deal with traffic congestion