I’ve been a paramedic and firefighter for more than 30 years, and I’ve seen firsthand how reliable communications impact response times and critical care. Now amid Florida’s hurricane season, communication is more important than ever.
In 2011, a deadly tornado struck Wake County, North Carolina, where I lived and worked. At the time, I was an incident commander responsible for leading and managing all safety aspects of the tornado. I was facing my worst nightmare: poor communication. Commercial networks were overloaded, and I wasn’t able to contact other first responders. Response efforts were difficult until I could talk in person, a feat nearly impossible during a tornado.
Across the country, first responders share similar stories where reliable communication made the difference between success and failure.
For Florida’s first responders, stories are rooted in the hurricanes, tornadoes and wildfires that regularly wreak havoc on Florida’s Panhandle.
One topic always comes up during first responders’ post-incident action meetings: communication. Were reliable connections there when needed? Could responding agencies, command centers, dispatch, hospitals and emergency management crews adequately communicate during and after the event?
FirstNet, a network designed to help first responders communicate during emergencies, aids in the effort.
Yet, many state and local decision makers aren’t aware of this network. Thankfully, Florida is a strong example of a commitment to public safety as leaders invest in FirstNet technologies that help responders get the job done.
From St. Augustine to Palm Beach County, thousands of first responders use FirstNet’s network every day to stay connected, save lives and keep communities safe. Because FirstNet is built on dedicated broadband spectrum, first responders don’t compete with commercial traffic or get slowed down by network congestion.
When disasters take down cellular infrastructure, responders work with AT&T to deploy FirstNet mobile cell sites that help them stay connected.
In 2022, Hurricane Ian, the deadliest hurricane to strike the state in more than 80 years, wiped out standard cell infrastructure and cut off entire communities from rescue and support.
The hurricane ripped away parts of the Sanibel Causeway, eliminating access to the mainland. Small watercrafts were the only way to reach the island.
To get the community back online, AT&T deployed a lightweight compact rapid deployable device, or CRD, that worked as a data minitower. Such devices don’t rely on commercial power availability and provide the same service as a traditional cell tower.
Using a specialized amphibious vehicle, first response teams on Sanibel Island navigated the island with the device, which was up and running within five minutes of finding a site. When Hurricanes Helene and Milton more recently caused widespread damage in Florida and neighboring states, FirstNet was immediately in action.
Florida recently made a critical, life-saving investment by purchasing 50 additional FirstNet-powered CRDs. The mobile communications assets are pre-staged across the state, giving first responders a lifeline for connectivity within minutes.
As we gear up for the next hurricane season, these will be critical in keeping communities connected as they weather the storm.
Jon Olson is a 30-year EMS and firefighting veteran who serves as FirstNet’s senior public safety advisor.
