Navigating Emergency Services Before the Internet: A Historical Look
The evolution of emergency services is a fascinating journey, particularly when it comes to how these services managed to guide drivers and dispatchers before the advent of the internet. From traditional map books to the reliance on rural mail carriers, emergency services have relied on innovative methods to ensure prompt and accurate responses to calls.
The Role of Map Books
For most emergency service departments, map books were the backbone of their dispatch and navigation systems. These detailed books provided a comprehensive guide to locations and addresses, allowing dispatchers to quickly locate and direct emergency units to calls. In many regions, these maps were crucial in areas where internet and GPS technology were yet to be employed.
For example, in Virginia Beach and Norfolk, the fire departments divided the cities into a grid system. Each city had rows labeled from A to Z across and numbered from 1 to the extent of the city's boundaries. When dispatchers received a call, they would provide map coordinates, and units would rely on these maps to identify the precise location. This system was effective because the maps were a visual overlay on the city map, with each grid area being printed in a book that was carried around by fire and EMS units.
Adapting to New Construction
One of the biggest challenges faced by emergency services was dealing with new construction. As mentioned, the problem often arose when the maps were not updated in time. In these situations, units from the fire or EMS station in the area would typically take it upon themselves to map out new streets and addresses. This process involved driving around the new area, noting down all the relevant details, and then sharing this information with other units.
In smaller rural areas, such as a midwestern village with township coverage, the rural mail carriers, who were also members of the fire department, played a crucial role. They would often provide the most up-to-date information on new addresses, ensuring that their fellow firefighters had the necessary details to respond to calls efficiently.
Street Directories and Drive Books
Another critical tool in the emergency services arsenal was the street directory. These pocket-sized books provided a quick reference for drivers and firefighters. They contained the closest arterial intersection for any given side street, which was invaluable for navigating unfamiliar areas. In cities like Toronto, popular directories like Might's were widely used by delivery drivers and cab drivers, demonstrating the widespread value of such resources.
Emergency services were further subdivided into sectors, each responsible for a specific geographic area. Aspiring drivers had to familiarize themselves with the major roads and intersections within their assigned zone. This knowledge was supplemented by drive books, which provided step-by-step directions from a major intersection or landmark to the specific address of the call. For instance, from a firehouse to an old home address, one would look up Windsor Lane 4500 block, with the map book directing: "Battery and Wisconsin north on Wisconsin RIGHT on Chelsea Lane LEFT on North Chelsea Lane LEFT on Maryland Ave RIGHT on Windsor Lane."
These methods, though less technologically advanced, played a vital role in ensuring that emergency services could respond effectively to calls. The next time you scroll through an interactive map or use GPS to find your way, take a moment to appreciate the ingenuity and adaptability of those who navigated without such tools.