NEW GPS SYSTEM TO IMPROVE EMERGENCY SERVICES FOR MIDSASK REDA

The MidSask Community Futures Development Corporation and Regional Economic Development Authority (REDA) are hoping a new Global Positioning System (GPS) will improve response time for emergency services in the area.

The new technology will equip road graders with GPS, making road data information available to emergency response vehicles to help better evaluate road conditions in case of an emergency. For example, the new system will be able to provide ambulances with a route along ploughed roads in the winter, ensuring safer transport for patients needing immediate care.

Regional Economic and Co-operative Development Minister Lon Borgerson welcomes the addition, noting its benefit to all communities in the region. "In times of emergency, every moment counts," Borgerson said. "This is a very exciting announcement, as it will improve the response time to those in emergency situations."

"Implementing the GPS system into our area is the next big step forward in evidence-based decision making - allowing us to quantify the time and resources dedicated to road construction and maintenance that are spent in each of our municipalities," MidSask region GIS/GPS technician Denise Guillet said.

The GPS system, purchased through Gemini Positioning Systems of Calgary, is different from GPS used in farm machinery in that the central software can create a number of reports and provide data management.

So far, two rural municipalities have agreed to equip their graders, and there are plans to expand throughout the region. The potential is to be able to track all vehicles, whether they are fire trucks, police cars, even school buses, ultimately ensuring their safety on the road.

The systems will be running this summer.

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For more information, contact:

Jenna Robertson
Regional Economic and Co-operative Development
Regina
Phone: 306-787-2359
Email: jroberts@agr.gov.sk.ca

Denise Guillet
GIS/GPS Technician, MidSask CFDC/REDA
Outlook
Phone: 306-867-9566